Oklahoma State Assessment Test (OSAT) Early Childhood Education Practice Test

How is the “I do, you help” approach best classified in terms of teaching strategies?

1. Guided practice

2. Independent practice

3. Observational learning

4. Collaborative learning

The correct answer is: Guided practice

The “I do, you help” approach is best classified as guided practice because it involves a clear instructional model where the teacher demonstrates a task or concept first ("I do"), and then students engage in the task with support from the teacher or peers ("you help"). This method allows students to practice their understanding of the material while receiving the necessary guidance to reinforce their learning. In guided practice, the instructor maintains a level of control and involvement in the learning process, ensuring that students are supported as they apply what they have just observed. It emphasizes modeling and scaffolding, making it particularly effective in early childhood education where learners are in the process of developing their skills and knowledge. The other strategies mentioned align differently with the dynamics of student engagement. Independent practice typically involves students working alone without guidance, observational learning focuses on learning through watching others without direct interaction, and collaborative learning emphasizes group work among peers working together without a teacher's demonstration as the primary focus. Each of these approaches serves specific educational purposes, but guided practice is distinct in its combination of demonstration and collaborative assistance.