At the "I do" step, what role does the teacher fulfill?

During the "I do" step, the teacher takes on the role of a model or demonstrator. This phase is crucial because it sets the foundation for student understanding by clearly illustrating the skills or concepts being taught. The teacher not only models the expected behavior or thought process but also engages in think-alouds, which help students grasp the reasoning behind the steps being demonstrated. This strategy allows educators to articulate their thought processes, making the learning experience more transparent and accessible for students. Essentially, this step is about guiding students through the learning process by providing direct instruction, which is vital before they move on to practice the skill themselves.