Which of the following best describes guided practice?

Guided practice is an instructional phase where teachers provide support while students learn and apply new concepts or skills. The process typically involves the teacher modeling a skill or concept first, followed by students practicing with assistance from the teacher. This gradual release of responsibility allows students to gain confidence and competence before moving to independent work.

In guided practice, the teacher is actively involved in ensuring that students understand the material and are able to apply it correctly, offering feedback and addressing any misconceptions they might have. This balanced approach helps solidify learning through active engagement while still providing the necessary support from the educator.

Other options represent different educational strategies that do not align with the concept of guided practice. For instance, student-led learning would imply that students are taking the initiative without direct guidance from the teacher, which deviates from the supportive environment characteristic of guided practice. Independent work without assistance suggests that students are working alone without the collaborative element of guided support, undermining the concept’s purpose. Lastly, direct instruction without practice would focus solely on the teacher delivering content without allowing for active student engagement, which neglects the practice component essential in guided practice.