Scaffolding in educational research refers to the support provided by a teacher or peer to help a learner build on existing knowledge and skills in order to reach a higher level of understanding or complete a task. This instructional technique involves breaking down complex tasks into smaller, manageable steps, providing guidance and feedback, and gradually fading out the support as the learner gains independence. Scaffolding can take various forms, such as modeling, questioning, providing resources, and offering prompts or cues. It is designed to promote cognitive and social development by challenging learners without overwhelming them, ultimately fostering more meaningful learning experiences.