What instructional strategy involves offering assistance gradually through open-ended questions?

The instructional strategy that involves offering assistance gradually through open-ended questions is scaffolding. Scaffolding refers to the method of providing tailored support to students as they learn new concepts or skills, gradually decreasing that support as students become more proficient. By using open-ended questions, educators can encourage critical thinking and allow students to explore their thoughts more deeply, helping them build understanding at their own pace.

This approach is effective in fostering independence in learners, as it provides the initial guidance they need while also encouraging them to take ownership of their learning process over time. Scaffolding is particularly valuable in special education settings, where students may require varying levels of support to accomplish learning goals.