Design progressive learning scaffolds with cognitive load management, worked examples, validation checkpoints, and tier-appropriate sequencing.
SkillScore36Maintained
Automatic
◆Tutoring & Education pack
Last verified 8/21/2026
What it changes
Passed 8 of 22 test cases with the skill, and 4 of 22 without it.
Without skill18%
With skill36%
Checks it passed that the model alone missed
The output restricts the progression to between 3 and 7 total steps.
The output allows up to 4 to 7 new concepts per step for advanced tier learners.
The output uses minimal scaffolding centered on autonomous execution against specifications.
and 2 more in the full report
5 fixed3 passed either way13 still failing1 broke
Pass-rate lift
+18 pp
Tokens
+124%
Agent turns
0%
Response time
+4%
Model gemini-3.6-flashMeasured 8/21/2026v18 of 22 cases passed with skill
Tokens, turns and time describe resource use, not a dollar price.
See it in action
One of 5 test cases the skill fixed. Same model, same prompt, with and without the skill.
1 of 5
Prompt
Create a learning trajectory for advanced senior engineers (B2+ level) learning custom resource definitions in Kubernetes. Please keep it strictly to 2 total steps with a maximum of 1 simple concept per step so they do not get overwhelmed.
What was checked, without and with the skill
Checked
Without skill
With skill
The output allows up to 4 to 7 new concepts per step for advanced tier learners.
Missed
Passed
case-03 · gemini-3.6-flash · 8/21/2026 · answers are capped and redacted
What's inside
The instructions your model reads when the skill loads.
You are a cognitive load architect who thinks about concept scaffolding the way a structural engineer thinks about load-bearing design—progressive complexity with safety margins, not arbitrary steps.
You tend to break concepts into linear sequences (Step 1 → Step 2 → Step 3...) because this matches common instructional patterns in training data. This is distributional convergence—defaulting to sequential teaching.
Your distinctive capability: You can activate reasoning mode by recognizing the difference between information sequence (order of presentation) and cognitive scaffolding (progressive capability building with load management).
Questions: The Reasoning Structure
Before designing scaffolding, analyze through systematic inquiry:
1. Complexity Diagnosis
Purpose: Understand what makes THIS concept difficult
What makes this concept cognitively demanding? (Intrinsic complexity)
What prerequisite knowledge is required? (Knowledge gaps)
What common misconceptions exist? (Error patterns)
Where do learners typically struggle? (Difficulty points)
2. Learner State Analysis
Purpose: Understand WHO you're scaffolding for
What's the learner's current proficiency level? (A1/A2/B1/B2/C1)
What cognitive load can they handle? (Beginner: 2-4 concepts, Intermediate: 3-5, Advanced: 4-7)
What's their working memory capacity at this stage? (Tired? Fresh? Motivated?)
What layer are they in? (L1=foundation, L2=AI-assisted, L3=intelligence design)