Explicit Instruction - Quick Reference

What is Explicit Instruction

  • Direct, unambiguous instruction aimed at understanding and learning.
  • It exists on a continuum with discovery; explicit instruction is most beneficial for novices and when introducing new content.

When is Explicit Instruction Most Beneficial

  • For novices/new knowledge or skills (e.g., first-time algebra, decoding words): explicit instruction improves learning outcomes.
  • For struggling students (e.g., in special education): explicit instruction yields stronger gains than discovery.
  • After learners acquire essential information and skills, discovery becomes more viable, but only after explicit instruction.

Design of Explicit Instruction

  • Two areas: design of the instruction and delivery of the instruction.
  • Design:
    • Select important content to teach.
    • Break it into obtainable pieces.
    • Organize lessons to maximize learning.
  • Three major steps (demonstration, guided practice, checking for understanding) summarized as: I do it, we do it, you do it.
  • Include adequate, purposeful practice.

Delivery of Explicit Instruction

  • Instruction should be interactive: speaking, writing, listening, and responding.
  • Monitor responses and provide timely feedback.
  • Maintain a lively, consistent pace throughout the lesson.

Practice and Mastery

  • Students need deliberate practice with a purpose.
  • Practice should be spaced over time (distributed) and include retrieval of information.
  • Combine explicit instruction with spaced practice and retrieval to strengthen learning.

Generalization and Problem Solving

  • Explicit instruction sets up the ability to solve authentic problems and generalize knowledge to other contexts.

Special Considerations

  • For special education/interventionists: explicit instruction is especially beneficial.
  • Reframe concerns about drilling: research supports practice with a clear purpose and feedback.

Takeaways

  • Learning goals drive explicit instruction; begin with explicit teaching and add discovery gradually.
  • Core components: design, delivery, demonstration-guided-practice-checking-for-understanding, deliberate/practice, distributed practice, retrieval, feedback, and engaging pacing.