teaching online gradual release of responsibility

I Do, We do, we do it together, You Do

There are many different ways to sequence your learning module curriculum. By guiding your students through a step-by-step sequence, students will gradually achieve independence to meet the learning objective(s) of the module.

The original “I Do – We Do – You Do” teaching strategy is often expanded to a four-step model that includes an “I Do – We Do – You Do It Together – You Do It Alone” progression.

To start, an expert (not necessarily you, the instructor) takes center stage in providing direct instruction and modeling. As the module progresses, students become the stars with collaborative peer work, followed by independent practice where they show what they know without prompting.

Think about the three phases of direct instruction: I Do, We Do, You Do

I Do: How are you modeling and explaining new material and the ways in which new material connects to previous concepts (TED Talk, Film, Lecture, etc.).

We Do: How are you guiding and coaching the learning process? Providing prompt and individual feedback on frequent low-stakes assessments is one way for students to gauge their understanding before misunderstandings are documented in assignments.

You Do: How are you providing independent practice? Keep in mind, independent doesn't have to mean alone. Group work can provide collaborative practice independent of the instructor.

Examples

Overview

Summarize or introduce topic
Present learning objectives and how they relate to learning activities
List learning activities

Avoid using due dates in modules so you can repurpose materials for the following semester. Just say, "See calendar for due dates."

Gauge for Understanding - Example Learning Activities

Misconception/preconception quiz
Muddiest point
Focused listing
Memory matrix

I DO - Example learning activities

Expert presents topic in a lecture, film (BBC, Alexander Videos, TED Talk, HHMI, etc.) - find ways to make the content relevant and interesting to the students.

We do/We do together - Example learning activities

group note taking
student-moderated discussion
peer evaluations/reviews
group practice activities (lab, fieldwork, presentations)

Use the discussion areas as a place where students post and share their work to the whole class or in smaller groups.

You Do - Example Learning Activities

Writing assignments
Self-check/assessments
Lab exercises

Reflection - example learning activities

Journal
Learning log
Minute paper

additional resources

Classroom Assessment Techniques, Vanderbilt University, Center for Teaching
50 Classroom Assessment Techniques, University of Kentucky, Center for the Enhancement of Learning and Teaching