1. [Current trends in education are informed by Vygotsky] Scaffolding is based on Vygotsky's (1978) concept of the zone of proximal development. The "zone of proximal development" (ZPD) is the distance between the actual developmental level as determined by independent problem solving and the level of potential development as determined through problem solving under adult guidance or in collaboration with more capable peers
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2. Teachers can aid intellectual development in students by providing them with information and temporary support which can be gradually decreased as the students' competence increases. The goal of providing scaffolds is for students to become independent, self-regulated thinkers who are more self-sufficient and less teacher dependent. Scaffolding in teaching is comparable to the construction of a building which is gradually removed as its structure becomes better able to support its own weight. Scaffolds are like training wheels on a bicycle which provide temporary support while the rider learns to maintain balance. Once the bike rider is secure about maintaining balance, the training wheels are removed and the rider self-balances
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