What is the goal of the gradual release component in cognitive apprenticeship?

• A. To hand off responsibility gradually from teacher to student
• B. To keep teacher in control always
• C. To assign all tasks to students immediately
• D. To reduce feedback

Answer: (A)

In cognitive apprenticeship, the gradual release of responsibility is about shifting control from the teacher to the learner as competence grows. The goal is to hand off responsibility gradually from teacher to student, starting with modeling and guided practice and then steadily removing supports so the student can perform the task independently. Early steps involve the teacher demonstrating with a think-aloud, followed by practice with prompts and scaffolds. Over time, those supports are faded, and the student takes on more of the cognitive work while the teacher still provides feedback as needed. This approach builds lasting independence and transfer of skills, rather than keeping the teacher in control, dumping all tasks at once, or removing essential feedback.