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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.
Direct Instruction: A Quick Overview
In a nutshell, direct instruction (DI) is a systematic, evidence-based, and teacher-led approach, grounded in the science of learning.
![Photo of a typical middle school classroom with a teacher standing in front of students grouped in 5s at their desks.](https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/learning-dev-89518.appspot.com/o/images%2F800%2Fce3f5760-85b0-11ee-a2ce-21b005342d05.jpeg?alt=media&token=cd12d80d-32a1-4454-9443-97f0868f56b3)
Elements of a DI Lesson
Lesson opener or "hook" to introduce the learning objective
Presentation of new material through teacher instruction
Guided practice, where teachers assist students while they grasp new information
Feedback and correctives to keep students on track
Independent practice for students to gain confidence and mastery
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.
Did you know?
Rumie Learning Designers rely on elements of the direct instruction method when creating Bytes. We align each Byte with a learning objective, create engaging "hooks", clearly introduce new material, and allow opportunities for practice through quizzes and scenario-based questions.
Advantages of the DI Method
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.
Quiz
Angelo is a new teacher in a diverse, mixed-grade, mixed-ability, inclusive classroom. What are some advantages of DI that he can keep in mind when designing lessons for his students?
DI is known for its structured approach to learning, adherence to principles of universal design for learning (UDL), and its allowance of differentiation techniques to cater to diverse learners.
Disadvantages of the DI Method
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.
Quiz
Angelo is seeing great test results using the DI method with his students. What are some ways he can keep student engagement high, ensure authentic learning, and avoid boredom?
Angelo can offer innovative assessment techniques and choice-based assignments. By avoiding the trap of passive learning and the stress of high competition that DI sometimes creates, Angelo can help keep his student's engagement levels high.
Take Action
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!
This Byte has been authored by
Anchal Sood
Digital Learning Consultant
M.Ed