What are the advantages and disadvantages of direct instruction?

Are you a new teacher looking to sharpen your instructional practice?

You've probably heard about how effective the direct instruction method can be! But with all the debate around the approach, it's natural to feel unsure about how best to use it.

Learning about the advantages and disadvantages of direct instruction can help you make the best decisions for your lessons and your learners.

In a nutshell, direct instruction (DI) is a systematic, evidence-based, and teacher-led approach, grounded in the science of learning.

Photo by Kenny Eliason on Unsplash

Elements of a DI Lesson

1. Lesson opener or "hook" to introduce the learning objective

2. Presentation of new material through teacher instruction

3. Guided practice, where teachers assist students while they grasp new information

4. Feedback and correctives to keep students on track

5. Independent practice for students to gain confidence and mastery

6. Evaluation and review of student learning and progress

The Debate Around DI

As a traditional instructional method, DI has been the focus of many research studies to evaluate best practices in instruction and teaching.

While some continue to stand by this age-old approach, others may lean towards newer ones, like project-based learning or inquiry-based learning.

Ultimately, direct instruction, like any other instructional method, has its own set of pros and cons. Learning about these can help you plan your lessons by capitalizing on the advantages and avoiding the disadvantages of DI.

Advantages

Content flow

A clear objective and structured flow of content ensures that learners are exposed to new material clearly and efficiently.

Accessibility

DI supports accessible learning anduniversal design for learning (UDL) with frameworks that support various student profiles. If planned intentionally, DI can help learners with varying skills and knowledge levels.

Clear Data-Driven Insights

With its systematic approach, DI allows for ease in modifying plans based on insights from data. In this way, DI can effectively improve performance, such as when preparing for standardized tests.

Capitalizing on the Advantages

Content Flow

To maintain a logical flow,instructors can follow a standard 5-step lesson plan template.

Accessibility

Teachers can use differentiation techniques in a DI lesson to reach students with different needs. For instance, learners can be engaged through scenario-based tasks and productive failure during the "independent practice'" section of the lesson.

Clear Data-Driven Lessons

Teachers can useclear assessment data to understand students' strengths and weaknesses, helping them master skills and knowledge.

Disadvantages

Passive Learning

The structured DI approach may create a repetitive and passive learning environment, limiting a teacher's creativity.

Studying to the Test

The overreliance on testing and the performance-based environment may create a stressful learning atmosphere, reduce authentic engagement, and limit the transfer of learning.

Low Engagement

The teacher-centered approach may lead to reduced student engagement or boredom, and negatively affect the development of social skills.

Avoiding the Disadvantages

Avoiding Passivity

Teachers can use participatory and active learning methods like peer feedback or debates. The active learning engagement must be aligned with the DI content and rubrics that fit the learning method chosen.

Avoiding Studying to the Test

Instructors can include elements of "real-world" applicability in their classroom with practices like situational games, "Problem of the Week" challenges, practical community-based projects that stem from course curriculum, and offer the choice of practical and engaging assignment options.

Avoiding Low Engagement

Remember: no one is asking you to choose only ONE instructional model. You can choose an eclectic approach!Balance teacher-led instruction with student-centered approaches to avoid leaning too heavily on one side.

For instance, if a meaningful student-led learning activity does not fit within a DI lesson, instructors may consider setting aside time for a standalone engagement.

With the understanding of the pros and cons of direct instruction, and practical tips to craft your instructional approach, you're now set up to be a knowledgeable instructor!