Instructional Strategies Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Instructional Strategies - Essay Example There are a variety of categories and disciplines we could address but here our main concentration is on the possible usefulness of the DIRECT INSTRUCTION (DI) method of teaching in today's classrooms. According to the Baltimore Curriculum Project fact sheet (1997), "DI is an embracing model in instructional strategies which is filled with carefully structured and edited lessons that are backed by texts and worksheets." In DI the educator works with a group of students who are performing at roughly the same level. Through exceedingly careful organization, direction and pacing a rapport is formed with the students that facilitates the creation of a healthy, interactive learning environment. This type of interaction is finely crafted to focus on the subject and the pace of the learning activities. The students in these activities respond to questions as both an individual and a group further ensuring that the method of instruction "leaves no individual unengaged" (Baltimore Curriculum Project, 1997). Direct instruction is primarily based on previous theories of instruction which strive to eliminate misinterpretation by the students of goals, necessary skills, and instructions. The theory of DI is purported to greatly accelerate and improve academic performance as well as specific learning when applied in the prescribed manner. Direct instruction has also shown promise in correcting certain affective behaviors that can lead to academic problems. The resulting DI theory emphasizes the use of a small group in which teachers and aides conduct face-to-face (or one-on-one) instruction. This allows educators to carefully articulated lessons so that specific cognitive skills are broken down into small units and/or action sequences. The research of Mr. Siegfried Engelmann and Dr. Wesley Becker is not only a focal point in DI discussions, it also prescribes the correct method for using DI. Their work provides educators with five areas by which all class activities can be organized: GOAL SETTING: Educators emphasize the importance of setting goals for school work. Students are required to write and explain their goals which will ead them to complete the task set before them. Educators and other students provide regular reassurance on the progress toward meeting these goals as well as hints for improvement. ASSIGNMENTS: Educators should endeavor to break the ultimate task into small, manageable parts. Students should be encouraged to further devise personally manageable parts that will lead to successful completion of the task. The true key here is to set a pace that is comfortable to the individual and the class as a whole while ensuring timely completion of the task. Such structuring should lead to a better understanding of the ultimate goal as well as provide more immediate success and feedback. EXPLANATION: The variation in explanation lies at the heart of what makes DI unique. Examples that relate more closely to real life and/or appeal to the students(s) make the subject clearer and personal. Students more readily engage in learning activities that they find personally linked. If an activity seems like fun or useful to the student, it is now personal and worth doing. OUTSOURCING: Frequently asking