In scaffolding, support is often 'faded' over time. Which choice best describes this fading process?

In scaffolding, support is often 'faded' over time. Which choice best describes this fading process?

• A. Increasing support over time
• B. Maintaining the same level of support
• C. Gradually reducing support as competence increases
• D. Replacing support with more tests

Answer: (C)

The idea being tested is that scaffolding provides temporary help that is gradually removed as a learner becomes more capable. Fading means you systematically reduce guidance and prompts as competence increases, so the learner takes on more responsibility and can complete tasks with less support. This progression—modeling or guiding at first, then offering hints, then stepping back to let the learner try more independently—builds independence and mastery. The other options don’t fit because increasing support keeps the learner dependent, maintaining the same level of support doesn’t reflect growth, and replacing with more tests focuses on assessment rather than reducing assistance.

The idea being tested is that scaffolding provides temporary help that is gradually removed as a learner becomes more capable. Fading means you systematically reduce guidance and prompts as competence increases, so the learner takes on more responsibility and can complete tasks with less support. This progression—modeling or guiding at first, then offering hints, then stepping back to let the learner try more independently—builds independence and mastery. The other options don’t fit because increasing support keeps the learner dependent, maintaining the same level of support doesn’t reflect growth, and replacing with more tests focuses on assessment rather than reducing assistance.