What is a key characteristic of scaffolding in teaching students with disabilities?

Scaffolding is an instructional strategy designed to provide temporary support to students as they develop new skills or knowledge, particularly beneficial for students with disabilities. The key characteristic of effective scaffolding is the gradual reduction of support as the student's proficiency increases. This allows learners to build confidence and gain independence in their abilities.

As students become more competent, the teacher or facilitator systematically withdraws the support, enabling the student to take on more responsibility for their learning. This approach encourages students to engage more deeply with the material and promotes mastery of the concepts being taught. This dynamic process enhances the students' ability to transfer what they've learned to new and varied contexts, ultimately fostering self-sufficiency and confidence in their skills.