What is the teaching method that teaches skills in a progression from simple to complex?

• A. Modeling
• B. Scaffolding
• C. Lecture
• D. Game-based learning

Answer: (B)

The main idea here is scaffolding: providing temporary, supportive structure that helps learners move from simple tasks to more complex ones. With scaffolding, the teacher includes prompts, step-by-step guidance, modeling, and feedback tailored to what the student can do, then gradually removes those supports as competence grows. This builds from what the learner already knows toward independent mastery, often by starting with easier versions of a task and incrementally increasing difficulty.

For example, in math you might begin with concrete manipulatives and guided steps, then shift to diagrams and structured strategies, and finally to solving problems with less guidance. In writing, you might start with sentence starters and planning prompts, then move to paragraph building with scaffolds, and eventually write independently.

Modeling shows how to perform a skill but doesn’t inherently provide the staged support that moves a learner from simple to complex. Lecture delivers information without guided practice, and game-based learning, while engaging, doesn’t inherently specify the progressive scaffolds needed to build complex skills.