What type of instruction combines explicit teaching and gradual release to independence?

Scaffolded instruction is a teaching method that effectively combines explicit teaching with a gradual release of responsibility to promote student independence. In this approach, teachers first provide clear, structured guidance and support to help students understand new concepts. As students become more proficient, the teacher gradually reduces the amount of support offered, allowing students to take on more responsibility for their learning.

This method is particularly beneficial in early childhood education, where scaffolding can be tailored to meet the varied needs of developing learners. For instance, a teacher might initially demonstrate a new skill while thinking aloud, then guide students as they practice it together, and ultimately encourage them to perform the skill independently. This progression not only helps solidify students' understanding but also fosters confidence and self-sufficiency in their learning process.

In contrast, the other types of instruction mentioned do not incorporate this crucial element of gradual release. Indirect instruction often relies more on discovery learning with less guidance from the teacher. A traditional lecture approach focuses on delivering content information without the interactive support that scaffolded instruction provides. Group-led instruction can promote collaborative learning but may lack the structured guidance necessary for initial skill acquisition that scaffolded instruction effectively implements.