Which is an example of direct instruction in the classroom?

What is

Direct instruction iswhere teachers use explicit teaching techniques to teach a specific skill to their students. This type of instruction is teacher-directed, where a teacher typically stands at the front of a room and presents information. Teachers match their instruction to the task to enhance students’ understanding of a topic. This technique depends on strict lesson plans with little room for variation. It does not include active learning activities such as discussions, workshops or case studies.

Direct instruction has a number of critics, who believe that it has little room for personalization or adaptability. The six steps in direct instruction are:

– Introducing material, that is used to activate students’ prior knowledge
– Presenting new material, where students begin to learn with step-by-step guides
– Guiding students, where teachers can correct mistakes early on and reteach material if needed
– Providing feedback, where teachers give students an indicator of their performance
– Practicing independently, where students individually apply the skills that they’ve gained
– Evaluating, where students are tested on what they’ve learned.

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More terms starting with D

  • Data-Driven Instruction

  • Dean

Can you remember a time when one of your teachers presented material to your class and then gave you an assignment that matched what was said?

Teacher: Apple starts with 'a.' Say 'ah'.

Students: Ah.

Teacher: What's this?

Students: Apple

Teacher: What letter does it start with?

Students: A. Ah.

That's Direct Instruction, and it can be a powerful teaching tool if used correctly.

Which is an example of direct instruction in the classroom?
Photo by NeONBRAND on Unsplash

What Is Direct Instruction?

Direct Instruction (DI) is a method for clear, scripted, step-by-step lesson plans.

The goal of DI is to eliminate misinterpretation of the curriculum, by planning out as many details as possible, and ensuring that the teacher has expert knowledge of the material.

According to the National Institute for Direct Instruction, DI works by following 4 main features :

  1. Students are placed in instruction at their skill level, not grade level.

  2. The program's structure is designed to ensure mastery of the content before moving on to the next topic.

  3. Instruction is modified to accommodate each student's rate of learning.

  4. Programs and materials are field-tested and revised before being published.

Pros And Cons Of Direct Instruction

There are pros and cons to any teaching method. Consider these when deciding if Direct Instruction is the right choice for your material.

Pros

  1. Clear-cut: DI is designed for specific concepts or skills and leaves no room for misinterpretation .

  2. Based on skill, not age: DI can allow students to progress faster and allows teachers to adapt their speed based on student needs.

Cons

  1. Loss of creativity: DI discourages teachers from straying from pre-planned lessons. This can limit a teacher's creativity to adapt to students needs and interests.

  2. Expensive: Providing in-depth materials and training to teachers can be very costly.

Direct Instruction In Practice

When should I use Direct Instruction?

Direct Instruction is best used when teaching a specific skill or series of facts. But it isn't just about a teacher following a script. It incorporates other direct methods, including:

  • Hands-on lessons and labs

  • Active learning activities and guided discussions

  • Observing role-play scenarios and then performing examples

  • Showing a video to reinforce the topic

Direct Instruction to a Teacher may look like:

  • Receiving a set of instructional materials about a historical event, with assignments, talking points, and engaging activities already created.

Direct Instruction to a Student may look like:

  • Listening to a lecture about a historical event, then using role-play to portray a key part of the event.

Quiz

Which of these will be a good opportunity to use Direct Instruction as a teaching method?

Take Action

Could any of your lessons benefit from Direct Instruction?

Take a look at your lesson plans for the week. If any of them are focused on a specific skill or series of facts - Google [the topic + Direct Instruction] to see what resources are available to you.

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What is direct instruction in the classroom?

In general usage, the term direct instruction refers to (1) instructional approaches that are structured, sequenced, and led by teachers, and/or (2) the presentation of academic content to students by teachers, such as in a lecture or demonstration.

Which of the following is an example of direct instruction?

Which of the following is an example of direct instruction? Students practice solving two-digit multiplication problems while the teacher circulates among them, offering assistance and preventing off-task behavior when necessary.

What is direct instruction quizlet?

direct instruction. the use of straightforward, explicit teaching techniques, usually to teach a specific skill. It is a teacher-directed method, meaning that the teacher stands in front of a classroom and presents the information.

How do teachers use direct instruction?

The direct instruction method follows these steps:.
Introduce a new concept or skill..
Present the information needed to learn the concept or skill..
Model the skill and provide multiple examples..
Give students space to practice in a scaffolded way..
Offer feedback..
Assess and evaluate..