Exam 15: Direct Instruction

Correct Answer:

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The phrase "gradual release of responsibility" is a teaching model that shifts the cognitive load from teacher-directed instruction to student-centered learning. It is often applied within the context of direct instruction to scaffold learning and promote student independence.

In direct instruction, the teacher begins by explicitly teaching a concept or skill, providing clear explanations, modeling, and guided practice. This is where the responsibility for learning is heavily on the teacher's shoulders. The teacher is responsible for presenting the information, demonstrating the skill, and ensuring that students understand the material.

As the lesson progresses, the teacher gradually releases responsibility to the students through a series of steps:

1. **Focused Instruction**: The teacher provides clear, explicit instruction and models the skill or concept. This is the "I do" phase, where the teacher is in control and demonstrates what needs to be learned.

2. **Guided Instruction**: The teacher begins to involve students in the learning process. This might involve working through problems together or engaging in a shared task. The teacher provides prompts, cues, and feedback. This is the "We do" phase, where learning is a collaborative effort between teacher and students.

3. **Collaborative Learning**: Students work together in pairs or small groups to practice the skill or concept. The teacher acts as a facilitator, moving around the room to support groups as needed. This is the "You do it together" phase, where students start to take on more responsibility but still have the support of their peers and teacher.

4. **Independent Practice**: Finally, students are given the opportunity to work independently. This is the "You do" phase, where students apply what they have learned without immediate teacher support. The teacher monitors and provides feedback as necessary, but the responsibility for learning is now primarily on the students.

The gradual release of responsibility is effective in direct instruction because it allows students to gain confidence and competence in new skills or concepts before being asked to apply them independently. It also provides multiple opportunities for practice and feedback, which are essential for learning. By slowly transferring the responsibility for learning from the teacher to the student, this approach helps students to become self-directed learners who can apply their knowledge and skills in new and varied contexts.