In instruction, the teacher breaks down complex concepts into small steps to support learning. Which term is this?

• A. Reversibility
• B. Scaffolding
• C. Classification
• D. Identity vs. role confusion stage

Answer: (B)

Scaffolding is the concept being tested. It describes how a teacher support learners by breaking a complex concept into smaller, more manageable steps, offering modeling, guided practice, and timely prompts, and then gradually removing support as students gain competence. This approach ties to the zone of proximal development and the gradual release of responsibility, helping manage cognitive load and build independence. For example, when teaching how to solve a multi-step problem, the teacher might demonstrate the steps, guide the learner through each one with cues, check understanding after each part, and fade prompts as proficiency increases. The other terms refer to different ideas: reversibility is about thinking backwards to explore outcomes; classification is about grouping objects by shared characteristics; identity versus role confusion is a developmental stage described by Erikson, not an instructional method.