Teachers often struggle to find the most effective instructional strategies to actively engage students and improve learning outcomes.
Luckily, explicit direct instruction (EDI) offers a structured, evidence-based approach proven to enhance student achievement when applied deliberately in the classroom.
In this post, we will break down what explicit direct instruction is, why it works, and how you can leverage EDI strategies and lesson plans to better connect with your students.
Introduction to Explicit Direct Instruction in Teaching
Explicit direct instruction (EDI) is a structured, teacher-led approach to teaching focused on actively engaging students in learning essential skills and content. This article provides an overview of EDI and practical strategies teachers can use to implement it effectively.
Understanding Explicit Direct Instruction
Explicit direct instruction refers to a systematic method of teaching that includes set lesson sequences following an "I do, we do, you do" format. Key terms related to EDI include:
- Guided practice: The teacher models a new concept or skill step-by-step, then leads students through practice examples before independent work. This scaffolds learning.
- Cognitive load theory: Minimizing unnecessary information during initial learning phases reduces cognitive load so students can focus on key concepts. EDI applies this theory.
Principles and Benefits of Explicit Direct Instruction
Core principles of explicit direct instruction include:
- Scaffolding: Concepts and skills are broken down into manageable steps based on students' prior knowledge.
- Organized, structured sequences: Lessons follow set sequences like introductory review, presentation of new material, guided practice, independent practice, and weekly/monthly reviews.
Benefits include increased student engagement, learning, and retention of essential knowledge and skills.
Evidence Supporting Explicit Direct Instruction Models
Research shows EDI effectiveness for teaching reading, writing, math, science, and more across age groups. Benefits span various demographics and learning needs. Studies support EDI principles like guided, scaffolded instruction optimizing student learning and retention.
What is an example of explicit teaching?
Explicit teaching provides clear, structured instruction to students by breaking down skills and concepts into manageable steps. This allows students to master key ideas before moving to more complex tasks.
Here is an example of using explicit teaching strategies at home:
Explicit Teaching Practices at Home
For example, if you want your child to clean up their play area, you can adopt explicit teaching strategies such as:
- Breaking down the task into smaller, achievable steps
- Demonstrating each step while explaining it verbally
- Providing ample opportunity for guided practice
- Checking for understanding often via questions and feedback
- Correcting mistakes promptly in a positive manner
So to teach your child to clean up, you might:
- Show them step-by-step how to put away each type of toy into the proper storage bin or shelf
- Explain out loud what you are doing as you demonstrate ("I am putting the blocks here in this bin")
- Have them practice by putting away one or two items while you watch, guide, and provide feedback
- Once they seem to have the general idea, let them try cleaning up a few things independently while you supervise
- If they make a mistake or forget where something goes, gently remind them without criticism
The key is providing that clear instruction and plenty of supported practice before letting them work completely independently. Maintaining a positive learning environment where mistakes are viewed as opportunities to improve is also very important.
With explicit teaching's structured approach, students gain confidence in their abilities to complete tasks successfully. This example demonstrates how to translate explicit instruction best practices into the home setting.
What is explicit vs implicit instruction?
Explicit instruction refers to a structured, systematic, and direct way of teaching that includes clear statements about the purpose and rationale behind learning new skills and strategies. The teacher plays an active role in modeling and demonstrating concepts and skills step-by-step.
In contrast, implicit instruction relies less on the teacher's direct guidance and promotes more self-directed learning. Students are encouraged to construct their own understanding of concepts through hands-on activities and projects that facilitate the practical application of skills.
Some key differences between the two instructional approaches:
- Teacher involvement: Explicit instruction requires substantial teacher guidance, while implicit instruction expects students to be more independent.
- Clarity of objectives: Learning goals and purpose are directly stated in explicit instruction. Implicit instruction emphasizes broader conceptual understanding.
- Sequence of instruction: Explicit instruction follows a clear sequence of I-do, we-do, you-do. Implicit instruction does not follow a fixed sequence.
- Feedback: Immediate feedback is integral to explicit instruction. Implicit instruction promotes more peer and self-assessment.
- Cognitive load: Explicit instruction aims to optimize cognitive load and minimize confusion. Implicit instruction can sometimes overwhelm cognitive capacity.
- Assessments: Explicit instruction uses frequent formal assessments to gauge skill acquisition. Implicit instruction focuses more on projects and activities that integrate skills.
In practice, a balanced approach using explicit instruction to teach foundational skills and concepts, complemented by implicit instruction to facilitate meaningful application, is often most effective. The mix should align to learning objectives and student needs.
What is explicit direct instruction check for Understanding?
In EDI, when Checking for Understanding (CFU), you always teach first. The purpose of CFU is to verify that your students are learning what you are teaching while you are teaching. By teaching before you ask a question, the students are equipped to respond.
Here are some key things to know about check for understanding in explicit direct instruction:
It Should Be Frequent
- Check for understanding frequently, even as often as every 2-3 minutes during a lesson
- Frequent checks allow you to gauge if students are following along and catch any misunderstandings early
It Should Be Planned For
- Plan CFU questions and activities into your lesson plans
- Consider when good check points might be and build them into your overall lesson flow
It Should Be More Than Just Questions
- CFU can utilize activities beyond just asking questions:
- Student whiteboards
- Exit tickets
- Turn and talk discussions
- Short quizzes/forms
- Thumbs up/down signals
It Should Inform Your Teaching
- Pay attention to cues that students don't understand something
- Be prepared to re-teach concepts in different ways if needed
- Let CFU guide the pace and direction of your teaching
In summary, checking for understanding is a critical component of explicit direct instruction. Well-planned CFU verifies learning in real time, signals when re-teaching may be necessary, and enables you to personalize instruction to meet all students' needs.
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What is an example of direct instruction?
Direct instruction provides a clear example for students to understand a concept or skill. Here is an example of a direct instruction lesson plan:
Teacher Modeling
The teacher will first model the new concept or skill for students. For example, when teaching students how to write a 5-paragraph persuasive essay, the teacher will think aloud and write a sample essay in front of the class, explaining their thought process step-by-step.
Guided Practice
Next, the teacher will guide students through an activity that allows them to practice the new skill themselves. For example, the teacher may provide a writing prompt and have students brainstorm ideas in small groups before outlining their own 5-paragraph essay. The teacher will circulate to support students who need help.
Independent Practice
Finally, students will complete an independent activity to demonstrate their understanding. For instance, students may be assigned to write their own 5-paragraph persuasive essay on a given topic as homework. This allows the teacher to assess if students have mastered the concepts from the lesson.
In summary, direct instruction moves from teacher modeling to guided practice to independent practice. This gradual release of responsibility ensures students fully understand the new material before working on their own.
Essential Elements of Explicit Direct Instruction
To implement explicit direct instruction successfully, lessons should incorporate these vital components:
Setting Clear Learning Objectives
Effective EDI starts with precise learning goals so students understand the lesson's purpose and can track their progress. Clearly defined objectives motivate students and help them recognize accomplishments. Teachers should share objectives at the start of each lesson and reference them throughout instruction. For example, a math teacher could state, "By the end of today's lesson, you will be able to calculate percentages using mental math strategies."
Direct Explanation and Demonstrations
Teachers provide clear, detailed explanations of new skills and concepts, often while modeling problem-solving strategies step-by-step. For example, when introducing a reading comprehension strategy like summarizing, the teacher would think aloud while demonstrating on an example text passage. The teacher explains each thinking step explicitly, ensuring students understand the reasoning behind the strategies.
Engagement Routines and Guided Practice
After explanation and modeling comes ample opportunity for students to practice new material. Teachers guide the process using scaffolded activities before releasing full responsibility to students. Engagement routines like Think-Pair-Share encourage participation. Guided practice often utilizes the "I Do, We Do, You Do" framework where teachers shift from demonstrating to leading students through examples to letting them work independently.
Feedback and Assessment for Learning
Frequent feedback allows teachers to gauge student understanding and adjust instruction. Teachers circulate to monitor student work, asking probing questions and providing assistance. End-of-lesson assessments like exit tickets also inform planning for future lessons. Both informal checks for understanding and formal assessments keep teaching responsive to learners' needs.
Crafting Explicit Direct Instruction Lesson Plans
Using the I do, we do, you do framework, teachers can create EDI lesson plans that systematically build student understanding:
I Do: Demonstrating Skills and Behaviours of Effective Teachers
The teacher directly explains concepts, demonstrates skills, and thinks aloud while problem solving. As part of the explicit direct instruction process, teachers should:
- Clearly state the learning objectives upfront
- Provide concise explanations and definitions of key terms
- Model skills and thought processes step-by-step
- Highlight main ideas and summarize important points
- Use visual aids and examples to illustrate concepts
- Check for student understanding frequently
Effective EDI requires teachers to directly impart their expertise through clear explanations, explicit modeling, and guided practice.
We Do: Collaborative Learning and Fully Guided Practice
The teacher scaffolds student learning by working through examples as a class to ensure understanding before independent practice. Key strategies include:
- Teacher and students solving problems together
- Checking student work and providing immediate feedback
- Additional explanation of concepts if students struggle
- Pacing lessons appropriately to students' cognitive load limits
- Gradually removing supports to transition responsibility to students
- Using collaborative learning techniques like think-pair-share
Fully guided practice ensures students securely acquire new knowledge before moving to independent work.
You Do: Independent Practice and Application
Students demonstrate self-sufficiency by applying their new knowledge and skills independently on practice tasks and assessments. Teachers should:
- Create activities and assignments that align with lesson objectives
- Use explicit direct instruction model to verify student mastery
- Provide enrichment opportunities for advanced students
- Remediate struggling students with additional modeling and practice
Independent practice activities reinforce skills and provide data to inform personalized interventions.
EDI Lesson Plan Example: A Real-World Application
Here is an example of a math lesson plan following the I do, we do, you do framework:
I Do
- Introduce mathematical concept of fractions
- Define key terms like numerator, denominator
- Model fraction creation step-by-step using visual aids
- Highlight patterns and main ideas
We Do
- Teacher demonstrates solving fraction addition problems
- Class solves examples together and checks work
- Teacher provides feedback and additional explanations
You Do
- Students independently complete worksheet with fraction problems
- Teacher monitors progress and assists struggling students
- Exit slips used to assess lesson objectives mastery
This example illustrates how EDI lesson plans systematically build understanding. The I do, we do, you do structure ensures concepts are clearly introduced, collaboratively practiced, and eventually mastered through independent application.
Enhancing Learning through Explicit Direct Instruction Strategies
Explicit direct instruction (EDI) provides teachers with advanced strategies to maximize learning impact in the classroom. By incorporating elements of cognitive load theory and the information processing model into lesson design, educators can leverage EDI techniques tailored specifically for teaching reading and other essential skills.
Incorporating Cognitive Load Theory in EDI
Cognitive load theory emphasizes the limited capacity of working memory. As such, teachers must carefully manage the information processing demands placed on students during EDI lessons. Useful techniques include:
- Chunking content into small, digestible pieces
- Removing extraneous information unrelated to the learning objectives
- Providing worked examples to reduce processing demands
- Allowing sufficient practice after initial instruction
Proper incorporation of these strategies, aligned with students' developmental levels, enhances the power of explicit instruction.
Utilizing the Information Processing Model for EDI
The information processing model outlines how new information enters working memory through sensory registers, connects with prior knowledge in long-term memory, and transfers back to long-term storage through rehearsal and practice.
Teachers can leverage this sequence in EDI by:
- Activating prior knowledge before introducing new content
- Presenting information in multiple formats (visual, auditory, etc.)
- Providing extensive guided practice to aid storage in long-term memory
- Using mnemonics, organizers, and other memory aids
Careful attention to this process improves learning outcomes.
Direct Instruction and the Teaching of Reading
Research shows EDI is highly effective for developing reading skills. Useful strategies include:
- Phonemic awareness activities
- Phonics instruction
- Reading fluency practice
- Vocabulary building
- Text comprehension questioning/discussion
Delivering explicit instruction across all five areas leads to improved reading abilities.
Explicit Direct Instruction Checklist for Teachers
Follow this checklist to ensure your EDI lessons incorporate key best practices:
- ☑️ Set clear learning objectives
- ☑️ Activate prior knowledge
- ☑️ Chunk information into digestible pieces
- ☑️ Remove extraneous information
- ☑️ Provide examples and models
- ☑️ Incorporate guided practice
- ☑️ Check for understanding
- ☑️ Provide independent practice and review
Careful inclusion of each component enhances explicit direct instruction effectiveness.
By leveraging research-backed techniques, teachers can design EDI lessons that maximize engagement, comprehension, and skill development for all learners.
Conclusion: Summarizing the Impact of Explicit Direct Instruction
When properly implemented, explicit direct instruction provides the modeling, guidance and practice students need to deeply comprehend concepts. Use these evidence-based strategies for organized, effective instruction.
Key Takeaways on Effective Pedagogy through EDI
Explicit direct instruction works by actively engaging students, minimizing cognitive load through precise explanations, and ensuring mastery via scaffolded practice. Lessons progress methodically through I do, we do, you do components.
Some key takeaways include:
- EDI lessons follow a clear, organized structure to promote student comprehension and retention. Teachers model concepts step-by-step, then guide students through examples before independent practice.
- EDI optimizes cognitive load through explicit teaching of concepts, focused learning objectives, and segmented instruction. This prevents students from becoming overwhelmed.
- Scaffolded questioning techniques, guided and independent practice ensure students fully understand concepts before moving forward. Frequent comprehension checks identify struggling learners.
- Student engagement remains high in EDI lessons. Short segments, brisk pacing, unison responses and active participation focus student attention.
In summary, explicit direct instruction provides an evidence-based framework to enhance student achievement through precise, structured pedagogy. Applying EDI principles leads to improved comprehension and retention of concepts.
