Direct Instruction

Explain what a “model” is (as in “a model of instruction” and as opposed to “strategy”).

• An instructional model is a step-by-step procedure that leads to specific learning outcomes
• Explain why we are going to spend so much time this semester learning different models of instruction.

• Some students learn better in a highly structured environment; others need a more open setting with many choices. Some learn best through inductive thinking; others favor a deductive approach. Some students learn by themselves; some work better in groups.
• The teacher who appropriately uses a variety of instructional models and strategies is more likely to reach all students in the classroom; moreover, students will be able to expand a preferred mode of learning by being encouraged to learn in a variety of ways.

Summarize the direct instruction model (hint: use words like “scaffolding” and/or “gradual release”).

• Direct instruction is when the teachers explain what the students are required to learn, and demonstrate the steps needed to accomplish the task.
•  Direct instruction uses scaffolding by incrementally improving a learner’s ability to build on prior knowledge. This is done through the steps of the Direct Instruction Model which are:
• Review Previously Learned Material
• State Objectives for the Lesson
• Present New Material
• Guide Practice, Assess Performance, and Provide Corrective Feedback
• Assign Independent Practice, Assess Performance, and Provide Corrective Feedback
• Review periodically, Offering corrective feedback if necessary

• The direct instruction model is designed to scaffold student learning by breaking down knowledge and skills into small steps, modeling, and practice. By following the steps of the model, you are scaffolding student learning. In scaffolding, the teacher models what students are to learn just as in the direct instruction approach. The goal of scaffolding, as in direct instruction, is for students to gradually assume the responsibility of demonstrating the target behavior. This is accomplished through guided and independent practice.

Differentiate between “direct instruction” and “lecture.”

• Direct Instruction emphasis the  use of carefully sequenced steps that include demonstration, modeling, guided practice, and independent application
•  A lecture is an explanation of a given subject delivered before an audience or a class, as for the purpose of instruction

Identify some pros and cons of the direct instruction model.

•  Advantages
• Links to background knowledge, small chunks of information, and guided and independent practice, all with corrective feedback.
• Aligned
• Goals of the model allow lesson objectives to be clearly articulated and all steps of the model are geared toward helping students be successful at demonstrating lesson objectives.

Identify some strategies you could use to differentiate this model.

• Flexible Grouping – allow students to practice new knowledge and skills with a group of peers of similar interests, skills, or background knowledge or with a mixed-achievement group so that peers can share insights and skills. Groups should never be stagnant
•  Varying Questions
•  Can be used with the bloom taxonomy to vary cognitive demand on students.

Identify some indicators from your core (or create some) that could be most effectively taught using this model. (While you’re at it, align some formative assessments to them!)

• Compare short-term and long-term financial goals
• Identify types of destructive and constructive communication
• Develop, monitor, and evaluate a personal budget
•  List the characteristics/traits of each of the four market structures (perfect, monopolistic competition, oligopoly, and monopoly)