In Bruner's theory, what is the purpose of scaffolding?

In Bruner's theory, scaffolding serves the fundamental purpose of providing supports for learning that gradually decrease as a learner becomes more proficient in a specific skill or concept. This approach enables educators to tailor their instruction to meet the individual needs of learners, allowing them to build confidence and independence over time. By initially offering significant guidance and support, teachers help students grasp complex ideas or skills. As students demonstrate understanding and mastery, the support is slowly removed, fostering autonomy and critical thinking. This gradual removal of scaffolding encourages learners to take ownership of their education, promoting deeper learning and understanding. Essentially, scaffolding aligns closely with the developmental progression in Bruner's constructivist framework, emphasizing the importance of guided discovery in the learning process.