What does 'blocking and scaffolding' refer to in educational practices?

'Blocking and scaffolding' refers to techniques in educational practices that support learning by providing temporary structures. Scaffolding involves offering tailored support to students as they learn new concepts or skills, helping them progressively gain independence. It allows educators to adjust the level of assistance based on the learner's needs, facilitating a more effective learning experience.

For example, a teacher might start by breaking a task into smaller, manageable steps, providing guidance at each stage, and gradually removing that support as the learner becomes more confident and capable. This approach not only fosters skill development but also encourages students to build their understanding and tackle increasingly complex challenges independently.

The other options, while related to educational settings, do not accurately capture the concept of 'blocking and scaffolding.' Physical barriers do not contribute to cognitive development in learning, methods of assessment focus on evaluating student performance rather than supporting the learning process, and environmental arrangements pertain more to classroom setup than to the instructional support provided through scaffolding.