Final answer:
Scaffolding is a form of educational support provided by a more knowledgeable individual, which allows learners to perform tasks they couldn't do alone. It includes guidance, encouragement, and resources, tailored to the learner's needs and gradually reduced as competence increases.
Step-by-step explanation:
The term for the supports provided to a learner by a more knowledgeable other that allow the individual to perform a task that might not otherwise be possible is known as scaffolding. Scaffolding is a key concept in educational theory, especially within the context of cognitive development, wherein a teacher or a more experienced individual provides structured assistance to a less knowledgeable learner. This support can manifest in different forms such as guidance, encouragement, or access to resources, and is tailored to the learner's current needs with the aim of helping them achieve a higher level of understanding or skill attainment. Once the learner has developed the necessary skills and confidence, these supports can be gradually removed, transitioning the responsibility of learning to the student.
Effective scaffolding is critical in balancing the challenges a student faces with their competence, allowing for more successful learning experiences and empowering students to apply their knowledge in various contexts. It also helps address the inequities in educational opportunities, as illustrated by the differing levels of support available to students from different socioeconomic backgrounds. The role of an educator, mentor, or peer in providing this support is essential to student success, acting as a form of social support and facilitating cognitive learning.