Fading is the process of gradual reduction of support until the scaffolding is no longer needed. The right level of scaffolding is critical. The learner should not be stifled by too much support nor fail due to too little scaffolding. Traditionally, scaffolding occured through personal interaction between students and instructors. With the popularity of electronic telelearning environments however, scaffolding should be integrated in the course environment.
Scaffolding is studied by many researchers.
In this model scaffolding is mentioned as a means of coaching students until students can perform intellectual tasks on their own. In a study by Jonassen, scaffolding is used in the field of diagnostic reasoning. A causal model is constructed of the diagnostic reasoning process that is used by experts. Students are scaffolded by comparing their reasoning process to that of experts. A different field where scaffolding is important is that of design and development of educational media.