Gradual Release of Responsibility Model :: Karen Colbert

The gradual progression toward independence, with decreasing levels of teacher support, has a name.  The Gradual Release of Responsibility Model, first developed by Pearson & Gallagher (1993), is a research based instructional model that outlines the process necessary to promote independent application of a skill.  The teacher gradually decreases his or her support as students’ demonstrate success.  If necessary, the teacher increases the level of support when students are struggling.

For some reason, writing is seems to be an area where we sometimes abandon the Gradual Release Model.  In my experiences, writing instruction often consists of a quick mini-lesson, followed by time to write independently, in hopes that students apply the learning to their own piece of writing.  This is a bit like showing a baby how to use a spoon, explaining why we use spoons, and then letting them fend for themselves.  We need all students to notice and practice what good writers do.  It is not enough to help them notice a craft or trait and send them back to their seats, hoping they will try it. Click here for the complete article  by Karen Colbert.