Direct Instruction Essay

1018 Words3 Pages

Teaching Strategies for Direct Instruction

When planning a lesson a teacher must choose the appropriate instructional strategy to reach the specific learning outcomes. The Direct Instruction model is appropriate for two types of learning outcomes. Type 1, facts, rules, and action sequences, represents the lower levels of learning of Bloom’s Taxonomy. Type 1 includes knowledge, comprehension, and application. Type 2, concept, patterns, and relationships, represents the higher levels of learning of Bloom’s Taxonomy. Type 2 includes analysis, synthesis, and evaluation. During direct instruction, the teacher is the main provider of information. The teacher provides information through a presentation method or through a recitation method …show more content…

The goals and objectives should focus on one fact, one rule, or one action sequence at a time. The goal and objective should not include several steps. When presenting the information, make sure the information is in order and presented in small steps. Allow students to master one-step before presenting them with the next step in the process. Directions should be given in systematic form so students can understand them clearly. The teacher should clearly model each step before checking for student understanding. For example, if the teacher is teaching two digit multiplication, he/she would state the first step, then model the first step, then ask the students to perform the first step to make sure they understand it before moving on to step two of solving two digit multiplication problems. The teacher can check for understanding of the material by asking students questions or by having students summarize the information and main points of the lesson. After the students have successfully mastered the skill the teacher should continually check for understanding by having assessments weekly, monthly, or at the end of a specified amount of time. By doing this, the teacher is helping students keep the needed information in the forefront of their …show more content…

Teachers must understand the different cultures represented in the classroom especially regarding how students interact with adults and authority figures. Teachers should also be very aware of their body language since some students may take offence or feel threaten by your posture or eye contact simply because of their cultural differences. Additionally, the teacher should realize that students from various cultures might have a different understanding of the concept and be able to accept those differences. Teachers should eliminate any feeling of competition, allow students to work with their neighbor, and allow students to help other students when they are successful. The bottom line is direct instruction is used for a very specific learning outcome. The information is given by the teacher in small steps to ensure each student understands each step before moving on to the next step in a rapid form that requires students to be attentive in the learning process to ensure mastery of the skill. Student must be motivated to learn, therefore stating the goals and the objectives clearly at the start of the lesson is imperative. Direct instruction proves to be a useful teaching strategy when used for the appropriate content and when used correctly to present the content.

Discussion Question: Think about the grade level you most desire to

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