California Department of Education
Taking Center Stage – Act II

Direct instruction

According to the National Institute for Direct Instruction (Outside Source), Direct Instruction is a model for teaching that emphasizes well-developed and carefully planned lessons designed around small learning increments and clearly defined and prescribed teaching tasks. It is based on the theory that clear instruction eliminating misinterpretations can greatly improve and accelerate learning.

In direct instruction, teachers lecture and present standards-based material to the class according to the adopted textbook and district pacing guides. What is Direct Instruction (DI) (Outside Source) provides more detail to define direct instruction.

Direct instruction is a very effective tool in accelerated interventions. As most middle-level teachers know, however, lecture is not one of the best ways to engage young adolescents and needs to be balanced with other strategies that allow for inquiry and hands-on experience.

Related Links

Previous
Differentiated Instruction

Next
Study Skills—teaching students how to learn

Back to Top