New York State Teacher Certification Examinations (NYSTCE) Early Childhood Practice Test

Which instructional method involves modeling, explaining, and providing scaffold practice?

1. Systematic Instruction

2. Explicit Instruction

3. Guided Discovery

4. Collaborative Learning

The correct answer is: Explicit Instruction

The instructional method that involves modeling, explaining, and providing scaffolded practice is explicit instruction. This approach is characterized by clear and direct teaching strategies, where the educator demonstrates the desired skill or concept, articulates the rationale behind it, and systematically guides students through practice opportunities. In explicit instruction, the teacher breaks down complex tasks into smaller, manageable parts and provides structured support (scaffolding) as students practice these tasks. This is essential for ensuring that all learners understand the material and can engage with it effectively. This method is particularly beneficial in early childhood education, where foundational skills are developed, as it provides a clear framework for students to follow along, promotes engagement, and fosters independence as students gradually take on more responsibility for their learning. Other instructional methods, such as systematic instruction, focus on a structured, sequenced approach to teaching but may not emphasize the modeling and direct guidance to the same degree. Guided discovery involves encouraging students to explore and learn concepts independently under less direct supervision. Collaborative learning emphasizes peer engagement and interaction, allowing students to learn from one another rather than focusing primarily on teacher-led instruction. Each of these methods has its specific advantages and applications, but explicit instruction most directly aligns with the practices of modeling, explaining, and scaffolding.