> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://help.timelygrader.ai/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://help.timelygrader.ai/user-guides-get-started-here/apprenticeship.md).

# Designing a cognitive apprenticeship

An apprenticeship turns an assignment into a sequence of steps: brainstorm, draft, defend, submit. Students work through it in order, and the thinking becomes visible.

<figure><img src="https://3711328535-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FVTk0635Lo8R5owJx3bPK%2Fuploads%2F2fxvIUk6kO5NV6YbNqZ3%2Farticle-banner.png?alt=media" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

{% hint style="info" %}
An apprenticeship attaches to an existing assignment and inherits its rubric and due date. It is not a separate assignment.
{% endhint %}

## Steps

{% stepper %}
{% step %}

### Attach it to an assignment

From the sidebar, open Design and pick the assignment. Tags show which assignments already carry one. An assignment with no apprenticeship opens an empty canvas; one that has steps opens the existing sequence.

{% hint style="info" %}
Screenshot: apprenticeship.png
{% endhint %}

1. The assignment this apprenticeship belongs to.
2. Each card is a step, in the order students meet them.
   {% endstep %}

{% step %}

### Add activities from the library

The library on the right lists every activity type. Click one to add it to the end of the sequence. Four steps is a common shape: brainstorm with Hugo, submit a draft for feedback, defend the work, submit the final version.
{% endstep %}

{% step %}

### Edit a step

Click a card to open its settings. Instructions are what students read before starting that step. Grading decides whether it contributes to the assignment score. Availability controls whether it unlocks immediately or after the previous step.

{% hint style="success" %} <img src="https://3711328535-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FVTk0635Lo8R5owJx3bPK%2Fuploads%2Fms2lmbcFJs7XOGunUDRn%2Fhugo-head.svg?alt=media" alt="Hugo" data-size="line"> **Hugo’s tip:** Order matters. Each step unlocks after the one before it, so the sequence is the pedagogy, not just a list.
{% endhint %}
{% endstep %}

{% step %}

### Preview before publishing

Every activity card has a Preview link that opens the real student view for that step — not a mockup. Nothing you do in preview is recorded against a student. Students see nothing at all until you publish the sequence.
{% endstep %}
{% endstepper %}

## Related articles

* [Language, course details, and defaults](/user-guides-get-started-here/settings-language.md)
* [Writing a description and editing a rubric](/canvas-support-articles/assignments/creating-rubrics.md)
* [Grading a submission](/canvas-support-articles/assignments/grade-submissions.md)