Direct Instruction phrase to live by: "I do it, we do it, you do it." - Behavioral Model

Over the past few weeks we have been studying the direct instruction strategy/behavioral model.     I really enjoy the DI/BM.  When I am teaching in the classroom, I plan on using this model a lot. I believe that DI/BM gives students the essential foundational knowledge that they need to succeed.  I would not use  DI/BM in insolation but  when introducing new material.

Let's back up a bit. What is exactly is direct instruction?  

Direct Instruction is a teacher- centered strategy of instruction that takes leaners through systematic steps, allowing students to see the purpose and the result of each step.  

-Clear goals for students are established.

-Explanations of subject matter are concise, explicit and clear cut.

-Well organized assignments, frequent questions and opportunities to demonstrate learning are constants.  

-Teachers provide the foundations/basics to students so that they are able to build.  Systematic learning steps are used.

-Highly researched class scripts are employed to convey information in the most effective way, along with much student interaction.

-Homogenous skill grouping.

-Teaching to mastery.

Some examples of methods of instruction : direct lecture, peer work, corrective feedback, group project, guided practice, prior knowledge, graphic organizers, modeling, demonstrations, questioning.

Below are the three significant things I have learned from the course readings:

1) Direct instruction should no be used in isolation from other forms of instruction.  I would use direct instruction when introducing a unit so that students would obtain basic knowledge on the subject and then I would move a more towards an inquiry  based approach.

2) Direct Instruction is not the opposite constructivism.  DI guides students as they obtain new knowledge.  Students need to understand the basics.  After this, they can develop their own unique thoughts and insights.

3) Direct instruction uses highly scripted class sessions, which can limited the creativity of the lesson.  In teaching, staying too rigid can interfere with the effectiveness of the lesson.

Of course DI/BM is not the only way to go.  Other models include: 

-Social Interaction- In this approach, students focus on developing and strengthening their social skills with peers, teachers and other adults. 

-Information Processing: Much like that of a computer system, this approach focuses on developing how students access, store, process, and organize information. This is a student-centered model.

-Personal: In this approach students develop their self concept, self identity and self esteem. 

Whatever method of instruction a teacher uses it is important that they do not use this method in isolation.  Each method provides essential skills to students and mixing all four creates a rich, multifaceted learning environment.