What is Explicit Instruction?
Explicit instruction is a method of instruction that is built around high rates of student participation (the whole class answers, not just one student at a time: choral responses, whiteboards, partner talk, and written answers), teacher modeling followed by guided practice, mastery learning (knowledge that sticks, not just performance on test day), works within the constraints of human cognition (cognitive load theory), and lays the foundation for creative and complex problem solving.
We are focused on this method because of its rich evidence base. The risk of piloting instructional methods on novice learners that have no grounding in success is not wise. The largest educational study on instructional methodology, Project Follow Through, was funded by the U.S. Office of Education and ran from 1968 to 1977, tracking roughly 200,000 students across 180 communities. Explicit (direct) instruction was a clear winner that not only boasted the highest learning outcomes but also student affect! Kids that are successful in the classroom become confident, have higher self-esteem, and are motivated to take on more challenging content. Success yields motivation, not the other way around.
Successful instruction is guided by successful learning. How well we teach determines how well they learn. Explicit instruction is being deployed not just within math and reading, but also character and faith development. How does a student know what patience looks like unless they see it modeled and are able to practice it themselves? Explicit instruction is a tide that raises all ships.
Encouraging report from a Nashville School
