What is the educational practice of providing an example for students to follow known as?

The educational practice of providing an example for students to follow is known as modeling. In this context, modeling involves the teacher demonstrating a specific skill, behavior, or concept for students, allowing them to observe and understand how to replicate it. This practice is essential in various educational settings, as it provides a clear template or reference for students, helping them to grasp complex ideas through imitation and practice.

Modeling also includes not just the demonstration but an explanation of the thought processes behind the actions being shown. By seeing an expert perform a task or behavior, students can build a mental framework that helps them internalize the information and apply it in their own work. This approach is particularly effective in subjects like mathematics, science, and the arts, where processes can be intricate and benefit from visual representation.

Coaching, while closely related, focuses more on providing guidance and feedback during the learning process rather than demonstrating the behavior itself. Scaffolding refers to providing support structures to help students learn more complex concepts but doesn’t specifically emphasize the act of providing an example to follow. Demonstrating might seem similar but typically refers only to the act of showing without the contextual support and explanation that modeling includes.