30. A student is having difficulty solving multistep math problems without help. The teacher begins by modeling each step and gradually reduces support as the student gains confidence. Which instructional strategy is the teacher using?
Answer: C
The teacher is using scaffolding as an instructional strategy.
Scaffolding is a technique where the teacher provides successive levels of temporary support to help students achieve higher levels of understanding and independence in learning. In this case, the teacher models each step of the multistep math problems and gradually reduces assistance as the student becomes more confident.
A) Metacognition
Metacognition refers to the awareness and understanding of one's own thought processes. While it is an important skill for learning, it does not specifically relate to the teacher's approach of modeling and gradually reducing support in solving math problems. Therefore, this option is incorrect.
B) Active learning
Active learning involves engaging students in the learning process through activities and discussions that promote critical thinking. Although the teacher's method may encourage active participation, the specific strategy of providing support and gradually withdrawing it aligns more closely with scaffolding than with the general concept of active learning.
C) Scaffolding
Scaffolding is the correct choice as it entails the teacher providing structured support that is gradually removed as the student gains competence. This method allows the student to progressively take on more responsibility for their learning, which is exactly what the teacher is doing by modeling each step and reducing help over time.
D) Explicit instruction
Explicit instruction involves clear, direct teaching of specific skills or concepts. While the teacher may be using elements of explicit instruction in modeling, the focus on gradually reducing support aligns more closely with the concept of scaffolding. Thus, this option does not fully capture the instructional strategy being employed.
Conclusion
Scaffolding is the most appropriate term for the instructional strategy utilized by the teacher, as it emphasizes the gradual reduction of support tailored to the student's developing abilities. Other options, while relevant to educational practices, do not accurately describe the specific method of supporting the student in solving multistep problems. Thus, scaffolding is definitively the correct answer in this context.