According to Webster's Dictionary, a scaffold is "a temporary wooden or metal framework for supporting workmen and materials during the erecting, repairing, or painting of a building, etc.". To adapt that for learning, scaffolding is a temporary verbal, visual, or physical framework for supporting students and resources during the formation, development, and enhancement of learning. It's really just a technical word for helping students learn (and I'm guessing you do it sometimes and don't even realize it). It's important to remember that you provide scaffolding (which can be help by providing information, reminders, or encouragement) only when a student needs in and in a way that helps. That may sound like common sense, but I've seen teachers who give information that confuses students, rather than making the material easier. I've also seen teachers who continue to give support when students don't need it, which results in students becoming more dependent on the teacher. Remember, the goal is always to develop students who can learn without you beside them (when mine got a little too clingy, I would say, "and what would you do if I wasn't here?").