scaffolding

n. in education, a teaching style that supports and facilitates the student as he or she learns a new skill or concept, with the ultimate goal of the student becoming self-reliant. Derived from Lev Vygotsky’s theories, in practice it involves teaching material just beyond the level at which the student could learn alone. Technologies (e.g., computer software) that may be used to assist in this process are known as scaffolded tools.

Browse dictionary by letter

a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r s t u v w x y z

Psychology term of the day

May 4th 2024

scatterplot

n. a graphical representation of the relationship between two continuously measured variables in which one variable is arrayed on each axis and a dot or other symbol is placed at each point where the values of the variables intersect. The overall pattern of dots provides an indication of the extent to which there is a linear relationship between variables. A round mass of points shows no linear relation, an elliptical cloud of points with a positive slope shows a positive relation, and an elliptical cloud with a negative slope shows a negative relation. Outlier points are also clearly visible. Also called dot plot; scattergram. See also regression line.