Counselor Preparation Comprehensive Practice Examination

What educational concept suggests that learners need support to tackle challenging tasks?

1. Assessment

2. Scaffolding

3. Chunking

4. Modeling

The correct answer is: Scaffolding

Scaffolding is an educational concept that emphasizes the provision of support to learners as they tackle tasks that might initially be beyond their independent capabilities. This approach is grounded in the understanding that learners progress through stages of difficulty and that structured assistance can help them gradually gain confidence and competence. The premise of scaffolding is to provide temporary support, tailored to the learner's needs, that can be gradually removed as the learner becomes more adept. This method allows students to build on their existing knowledge and skills, fostering independence and eventual mastery of the task at hand. Techniques might include breaking down tasks into smaller, more manageable parts, providing hints or cues, and encouraging collaboration among peers. In contrast, assessment focuses on evaluating student performance and learning outcomes, which does not inherently involve support for challenging tasks. Chunking refers to breaking information into smaller, more digestible parts to enhance memory and understanding but does not specifically denote the support mechanism that scaffolding provides. Modeling involves demonstrating strategies or behaviors for learners to imitate but does not entail the targeted and gradual support that scaffolding offers throughout the learning process. Thus, scaffolding is the most appropriate concept that aligns with the idea of providing support to learners for challenging tasks.