Dave,
I thought I would respond to your post while I was thinking of this … I am more open to throwing my students into the deep end of learning than others. Perhaps it is because I teach high school and not grade 1. At the same time, as a facilitator, I am more like a lifeguard that stands by in case someone is in distress. But at the same time, I don’t jump in to save someone just because their head goes under the water. Perhaps I stand on the side of the pool and suggest ways for them to become better swimmers and encourage them to try new strokes. Just a thought.