What instructional technique involves a teacher modeling a learning strategy?

The instructional technique that involves a teacher modeling a learning strategy is scaffolding. This approach is characterized by the teacher providing structured support to enable students to understand and master new concepts or skills. In this context, the teacher demonstrates the strategy or thought process, breaking down tasks into manageable steps and gradually reducing assistance as students gain competency and confidence. This method not only facilitates learning by giving students a clear example to follow, but it also encourages independent thinking and problem-solving skills as students practice on their own after being guided.

Rote learning, while a common technique, does not involve modeling dynamic strategies or critical thinking; instead, it focuses on memorization without deeper understanding. Semantic mapping is a strategy that visually organizes information but does not inherently include the element of teacher modeling. Epistemology refers to the study of knowledge and belief systems, which is not an instructional technique. This makes scaffolding the most appropriate answer in the context of the question.