WHAT IS DIRECT INSTRUCTION?
•Explicit teaching of a skill-set using lectures of demonstrations of the material, rather than exploratory models such as inquiry-based leaning.
•Systematic
•Scaffolded/ No place for guess work or errors.
PHILOSOPHY OF DIRECT INSTRUCTION
•INSTRUCTIONAL PRINCIPLE: When teachers explain exactly what students are expected to learn, and demonstrate the steps needed to accomplish a particular academic task, students learn more.
“If the child hasn’t learned,
The teacher hasn’t taught.”
•Thus the responsibility of student learning rests squarely with the teachers design and delivery of instruction.
•Direct instruction rejects the assumption that students will spontaneously develop insights on their own.
Key Features of Direct Instruction:
Explicit Guidance: Teachers provide clear, detailed instructions and explanations. This often involves modeling the correct way to perform a task or solve a problem.
Structured Lessons: Lessons are organized in a sequential, logical order, making it easier for students to follow and understand.
Active Teacher Role: The teacher actively leads the learning process, frequently checking for understanding and providing feedback.
Practice and Repetition: Students are given multiple opportunities to practice new skills or concepts, reinforcing their learning through repetition.
Assessment and Feedback: Regular assessments are used to gauge student progress and provide timely feedback, helping to address any misunderstandings or difficulties.
Benefits:
Clarity and Focus: The structured nature of direct instruction helps ensure that students understand what is expected of them and how to achieve learning goals.
Efficiency: This method can be particularly effective for teaching specific skills or content in a time-efficient manner.
Support for Diverse Learners: Clear instructions and modeling can support students with varying levels of prior knowledge and learning styles.
Considerations:
Flexibility: Direct instruction may be less adaptable to student interests and may not always address the needs of students who benefit from more exploratory or student-centered learning experiences.
Engagement: The method's highly structured approach might not engage all students equally, especially those who thrive on more interactive or collaborative learning environments.
In summary, direct instruction is a valuable teaching method that offers clear guidance and structure, promoting efficient learning and ensuring that students have a solid grasp of essential skills and concepts