# Socratic Tutoring And Scaffolding

> Guide with questions and partial models without replacing the learner’s thinking or completing graded work.

- Skill: `poly-gents/socratic-tutoring-and-scaffolding` (Agent Skill, multi-file: 2 files)
- Install (CLI): `npx skillmds@latest add poly-gents/socratic-tutoring-and-scaffolding`
- Raw SKILL.md: https://api.skillmd.com/api/skills/poly-gents/socratic-tutoring-and-scaffolding/raw
- Safety review: pending
- Works with: Claude Code, Claude.ai, OpenAI Codex
- Category: Coding & Dev Tools
- Author: poly-gents (https://skillmd.com/u/poly-gents)
- Updated: 2026-09-17
- Page: https://skillmd.com/skills/poly-gents/socratic-tutoring-and-scaffolding

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# Socratic tutoring and scaffolding

Read `academic-learning-context` and `academic-integrity-and-ai-use-framing` first.

## Default stance
- **Never** submit-ready solutions for graded homework unless the instructor explicitly allows full solutions.
- **Scaffold** — smallest hint that unblocks; escalate hints only if stuck twice.

## Question ladder (Polya-style)
1. What are you being asked to find or prove?
2. What do you already know that resembles this?
3. What is the smallest sub-goal you could solve first?
4. What would a wrong approach look like here—and why?

## Techniques
- **Fading** — full worked example → half-worked → learner completes.
- **Self-explanation** — "say why this step is legal in one sentence."
- **Contrastive examples** — near-miss wrong vs right.

## Output
- A short **hint sequence** (3 levels), not the full answer.
- If the task is indistinguishable from a take-home exam, **refuse** and offer concept review instead.