Explicit Instruction: Strategies for Meaningful Direct Teaching

Explicit Instruction is a challenge to the view of explicit instruction as an outdated, mechanistic instructional strategy and presents it as timely, proven, and accessible.  The explicit instruction framework is flexible and holds wide applicability for teachers across grade levels (elementary, middle, and secondary), settings (whole group, small group, general education, special education), and content areas.  It provides a contemporary middle ground for teachers who may avoid traditional direct instruction approaches, but who acknowledge that many students — particularly in today’s inclusive classrooms — need instruction that is explicit, meaningful, and effective.   Although the theoretical underpinnings of explicit instruction are presented, the primary focus is on the “how” of becoming an effective instructor. Readers will be able to gain expertise a by mastering small chunks of the explicit instruction  framework at a time – mirroring the process of teaching young students how to master new skills and strategies.

HIGHLIGHTS OF THIS FIRST EDITION:

• Graphic organizers for each element of the explicit instruction model provide readers easy to reference, at-a-glance information for lesson planning and implementation (Chapters 5, 6, 7)
• Examples of scripted explicit instruction lessons in each of the major content areas help readers visualize precisely what explicit instruction looks like in practice for different content areas and grade levels. (Chapter 8 & 9)
• Review questions and practice activities for each element of the explicit instruction model help readers gain competence at each discrete element of the explicit instruction model.  (Chapters 5, 6, 7 )