What instructional method gradually removes cues and prompts to promote independence in students?

The concept described in the question is most accurately aligned with Mediated Scaffolding, which involves providing temporary support that is systematically reduced as the learner gains mastery and confidence. This instructional method allows educators to guide students through initially complex tasks by offering cues or prompts, then gradually withdrawing that support to foster independence in task completion.

Mediated scaffolding emphasizes the importance of tailored assistance that aligns with students' current capabilities, enabling them to refine their skills and become more self-sufficient over time. This technique is closely related to Vygotsky's theory of the Zone of Proximal Development, where learners benefit from guidance just beyond their current level of understanding before they can perform tasks independently.

While peer tutoring, direct instruction, and active learning are valuable instructional strategies, they do not focus specifically on the gradual removal of supports to promote the learner's independence in the same way that mediated scaffolding does. Peer tutoring typically leverages collaboration between students for mutual benefit, direct instruction emphasizes clear, explicit teaching methods, and active learning involves engaging students in the learning process through activities but does not necessarily include the component of systematically fading support.