Shielding refers to the phenomenon where inner electrons partially block the outer electrons from the full effect of the nucleus's positive charge. In the electron configuration 1s² 2s² 2p⁶ 3s² 3p⁶ 4s², the electrons in the inner shells (1s, 2s, and 2p) shield the outer 3s, 3p, and 4s electrons from the nucleus. This results in a reduced effective nuclear charge experienced by the outer electrons, which affects their energy levels and chemical behavior.