What is the final phase of the 5 Levels of Scaffolding?

Independence is recognized as the final phase of the 5 Levels of Scaffolding because it signifies that learners have gained the skills and knowledge necessary to perform tasks autonomously without additional support. This phase is crucial for student confidence and reinforces their understanding of the material, allowing them to apply what they have learned in various contexts. As students reach this level, they demonstrate mastery of the concepts and can navigate challenges independently, indicating that the scaffolding provided in previous stages has effectively prepared them for self-directed learning. This independence is essential for fostering lifelong learning habits and critical thinking skills, which are fundamental goals in educational settings, especially for English language learners.