Define 'scaffolding' in the context of early childhood education.

Scaffolding in early childhood education refers to the support provided to learners that enables them to achieve a higher level of understanding or skill. This technique involves breaking down learning into manageable steps and providing guidance or assistance tailored to the child's current abilities. As the child becomes more competent and confident, this support is systematically withdrawn, encouraging independence and promoting self-reliance in learning.

In practice, this can mean offering hints, prompts, or demonstrations initially and then allowing the child to take on more responsibility as they master the tasks at hand. This approach not only helps children learn effectively but also fosters a sense of accomplishment and encourages a growth mindset, as they see their progress over time.

The other options do not align with the true meaning of scaffolding. Teaching students to work independently without assistance overlooks the importance of guided support, while only assessing when students are fully independent ignores the learning process that scaffolding facilitates. Providing all answers directly does not empower students to develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills, which are essential in their development.