Twelve-year-old Nathaniel was having trouble solving the word problems in his math homework. His dad began reading the problems aloud and emphasizing the important information. As Nathaniel started catching on, his dad gradually provided less help for each new problem. This interaction illustrates:

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Twelve-year-old Nathaniel was having trouble solving the word problems in his math homework. His dad began reading the problems aloud and emphasizing the important information. As Nathaniel started catching on, his dad gradually provided less help for each new problem. This interaction illustrates:

A) Piaget's concept of concrete operational thought.

B) Erikson's concept of industry versus inferiority.

C) Vygotsky's concept of scaffolding.

D) Piaget's concept of conservation.  

The correct answer is letter C) Vygotsky's concept of scaffolding.

Explanation:

According to Vygotsky's Zone of Proximal Development, scaffolding is the process in which a supporter helps a learner, but only to a certain extent. As the learner grows more knowledgeable, the supporter gradually withdraws his help, allowing the learner to do things on his own. Eventually, the learner becomes responsible for the outcome of his tasks. That is what Nathaniel's father is doing while helping him with his math homework. He assists Nathaniel, but slowly steps away allowing his son to solve problems on his own as he gains more knowledge.