The Gradual Release of Responsibility model is from the work of Doug Fisher and Nancy Frey (2007). 

“I do”:  The teacher provides direct instruction, establishes goals and purpose, models learning expectations.

“We do”: There is interactive instruction between the students and teacher. (Guided Practice).

“They do”: The teacher provides groups of students a task. Groups of students work cooperatively and collaboratively to practice and apply newly learned standards, skills, or strategies.  The teacher moves among groups, provides support and scaffolding, and clarifies misunderstandings.

“You do”: The teacher provides meaningful, differentiated tasks to individual or small groups of students that are aligned to the standard, skills, strategies.  Students practice and apply new learning independently (without the direct support of the teacher). Afterwards, the teacher evaluates and provides feedback.