Which teaching strategy is used when a teacher supports a student's interaction with a learning program?

The correct answer is scaffolding. This teaching strategy involves providing temporary support to students as they engage with a learning program or material. Scaffolding helps to bridge the gap between what a student can do independently and what they cannot yet achieve without assistance. As a teacher supports a student's interaction, they might provide hints, ask guiding questions, or break tasks into smaller, more manageable parts.

In this scenario, scaffolding encourages students to build confidence and understanding as they progress through the learning program. The teacher gradually reduces support as the student's ability increases, allowing them to take more responsibility for their learning. This process is crucial in special education, where individualized support can significantly impact a student's success.

Other strategies mentioned, while valuable, serve different purposes. Linking involves connecting new information to prior knowledge, which is important but does not specifically denote the supportive role within interaction. Modeling showcases how to perform a task by demonstrating the desired behavior, guiding students through examples but not focusing on interaction support directly. Modular instruction refers to breaking down a curriculum into distinct, manageable units but doesn’t emphasize the supportive interaction aspect.