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CTET 7 Feb 2026 Paper 1, Question 9

Topic: Vygotsky

Q9

Which of the following scenarios is aptly describing the application of Lev Vygotsky’s concept of ‘scaffolding’?

  1. (1) A teacher gave half-solved problems to her students who were finding it difficult to solve them otherwise.Correct answer
  2. (2) A teacher has strictly prohibited students to have any kind of collaborations and communication with their peers.
  3. (3) A teacher has written answers on the blackboard and has asked the students to copy the answers passively in their notebooks.
  4. (4) A teacher has made it mandatory for her students to solve problems on their own in a set time period.

Solution.

CBSE answer: (1)

Answer: (1) Half-solved problems for students who found them hard

  1. Scaffolding is temporary support given by a teacher or more capable peer so a child can do a task within the zone of proximal development.
  2. Giving partly worked problems supports the learner, who then completes the rest independently; support is withdrawn as skill grows.
  3. Banning peer talk, copying answers or forcing solo timed work removes all support.

Trap: (4) looks like building independence, but it gives no help at all.