According to Vygotsky's theory in developmental psychology, what is the primary purpose of scaffolding in the learning process?

• A. To provide temporary support that helps the learner achieve tasks they could not accomplish alone
• B. To assess the learner's intelligence through standardized testing
• C. To encourage learners to work independently without any guidance
• D. To limit communication between the teacher and the learner

Answer: (A)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Step 1: Understand Vygotsky's theory of cognitive development, which emphasizes the social context of learning and the role of more knowledgeable others in helping learners progress.
2. Step 2: Define scaffolding as a teaching method where temporary support is provided by a teacher or peer to help the learner accomplish tasks that are just beyond their current ability.
3. Step 3: Recognize that the primary purpose of scaffolding is to bridge the gap between what the learner can do independently and what they can achieve with assistance, often referred to as the Zone of Proximal Development (ZPD).
4. Step 4: Eliminate options that do not align with this concept, such as assessing intelligence through testing, encouraging complete independence without guidance, or limiting communication, as these contradict the supportive and interactive nature of scaffolding.
5. Step 5: Conclude that scaffolding's main goal is to provide temporary support that enables learners to perform tasks they could not complete alone, gradually removing this support as competence increases.