Which characteristic of effective teaching involves clearly communicating what action must be performed and how it must be performed?

The characteristic of effective teaching that involves clearly communicating what action must be performed and how it must be performed is clarity. In an instructional setting, clarity ensures that learners fully understand the objectives and the steps necessary to achieve them. It encompasses the use of precise language, clear illustrations and examples, and well-structured explanations to convey information in a way that is easily digestible. When an instructor is clear in their communication, it diminishes misunderstandings and helps students grasp complex concepts and procedures. This clarity contributes directly to student success, as learners appreciate knowing exactly what is expected of them and how to reach their learning goals.

In contrast, while motivation, organization, and engagement are also essential aspects of teaching, they focus on different elements. Motivation pertains to inspiring students to learn, organization refers to the structure of the instruction, and engagement involves capturing and maintaining the learners' interest. While all these elements are important, they do not specifically emphasize the necessity for clear communication regarding actions and procedures, which is the core aspect of clarity in teaching.