What can destroy learner confidence according to instructor practices?

Bluffing whenever in doubt about some point can indeed destroy learner confidence because it goes against the foundational principles of effective teaching. When an instructor pretends to know something they are actually unsure about, it undermines their credibility and can lead learners to feel uncertain in their own understanding. This practice can create a tense learning environment where students feel they cannot trust the information being presented.

Learners tend to thrive in environments where they feel supported and secure in their learning. If an instructor is willing to admit when they don’t know something or when they are uncertain, it fosters an atmosphere of honesty and openness. This encourages learners to seek clarification, ask questions, and feel empowered in their pursuit of knowledge. In contrast, bluffing can diminish trust and make learners feel insecure about approaching the instructor for help on complex topics.

The other options, while related to instructional practices, do not directly involve the same damaging impact on learner confidence as bluffing does. For example, continually identifying learner errors and failures might help improve skill sets over time but can also demotivate students if not balanced with positive reinforcement. Similarly, directing and controlling learners' actions can stifle their independence and creativity, but this does not equate to undermining their confidence as overtly