WGU D152 Module 5: Explicit Instruction (Inclusive
Classroom) Already Passed!!
Explicit Instruction
• Systematic, structured method
• Breaking down complex into small chunks
• Use very clear language
• I do, we do, you do
• Teacher demonstrates for students, guides them in doing the activity or content, then
lets students complete work independently
• Teacher clearly outlines goals
• Teacher clearly explains skills and information they are presenting
• Makes it easier for teachers to monitor and track student progress
When is explicit Instruction essential?
Explicit instruction is essential when teaching content that students would not otherwise
discover, such as the process to sound out a challenging word or the order of
operations in a math problem.
What steps does explicit instruction follow?
Explicit instruction follows the steps of modeling ("I do"), guided practice ("We do"), and
then independent practice ("You do"), so that students can gradually demonstrate their
understanding and work independently.
Who benefits from explicit instruction?
This instructional model is particularly effective for special education students, who
benefit from structure.
How does explicit instruction benefit teachers?
This method of teaching makes it easier for teachers to monitor and track student
progress at each stage of explicit instruction.
What is the goal of explicit instruction?
The goal of explicit instruction is to encourage students to become more independent as
they move from teacher-led instruction, to guided practice, and gradually to more
independent practice where they can practice and apply skills and knowledge while
receiving ongoing feedback from the teacher.
16 elements of explicit instruction
1. Focus instruction on critical content
2. Sequence skills logically
3. Break down complex skills and strategies into smaller instructional units
4. Design organized and focused lessons
5. Begin lessons with a clear statement of the lesson's goals and your expectations
6. Review prior skills and knowledge
7. Provide step by step demonstrations
8. Use clear and concise language
9. Provide an adequate range of examples and non-examples
10. Provide guided, supported practice
11. Require frequent responses
12. Monitor student performance closely
, 13. Provide immediate affirmative and corrective feedback
14. Deliver the lesson at brisk pace
15. Help students organize knowledge
16. Provide distributed and cumulative practice
Understanding the complexity of skills, teachers split skills into manageable
steps to avoid overloading students' processing demands. Which element of
explicit teaching does this definition correspond to?
Breaking complex skills down. For students with special needs, a statement like "Get
ready for reading workshop" can be overwhelming. There are likely many steps involved
in getting prepared. In this example, you might have the steps written out somewhere
on a poster for reference that would include detailed steps: "Get your book box from the
back table. Bring your book box to your desk. Take out the book you are reading. Take
out your reading journal. Take out your pencil. Eyes on the teacher." Clarifying the skills
or steps involved can help to ensure students do not feel overwhelmed.
Students are given the opportunity to try out the skill in an authentic manner
while the teacher is available to give assistance through additional teaching,
questioning, and constructive feedback. Which element of explicit teaching does
this definition correspond to?
Guided Practice. Guided practice occurs after the teacher has introduced a new
concept or skill. During guided practice, the students engage in completing a similar
task collaboratively with the teacher. The teacher leads the discussion or lesson but
asks for help or feedback along the way. This helps the teacher realize steps that are
more complicated where students may need additional support or practice.
The teacher carefully selects words that explain the skill in a manner students will
understand. Which element of explicit teaching does this definition correspond
to?
Clear Language. The language a teacher uses must be consistent and unambiguous,
so the students are clear on how to implement the skill. When teaching explicitly, make
sure all of the words and vocabulary used are age appropriate and related to the
concept.
Using "thinking aloud" (explaining the process inside one's mind), the teacher
provides a step-by-step explanation of how to implement a skill. Which element of
explicit teaching does this definition correspond to?
Demonstration. A demonstration consists of the teacher showing and explaining the
process needed to perform a skill. During a demonstration, teachers show and explain
the decision-making process needed to complete a task. By using a "think aloud,"
teachers clearly show students how skills work.
6 Principles of Explicit Instruction
1. Optimize engaged time/time on task.
The more time students are actively participating in instructional activities, the more they
learn.
2. Promote high levels of success.
The more successful (i.e., correct/accurate) students are when they engage in an
academic task, the more they achieve.
3. Increase content coverage.
Classroom) Already Passed!!
Explicit Instruction
• Systematic, structured method
• Breaking down complex into small chunks
• Use very clear language
• I do, we do, you do
• Teacher demonstrates for students, guides them in doing the activity or content, then
lets students complete work independently
• Teacher clearly outlines goals
• Teacher clearly explains skills and information they are presenting
• Makes it easier for teachers to monitor and track student progress
When is explicit Instruction essential?
Explicit instruction is essential when teaching content that students would not otherwise
discover, such as the process to sound out a challenging word or the order of
operations in a math problem.
What steps does explicit instruction follow?
Explicit instruction follows the steps of modeling ("I do"), guided practice ("We do"), and
then independent practice ("You do"), so that students can gradually demonstrate their
understanding and work independently.
Who benefits from explicit instruction?
This instructional model is particularly effective for special education students, who
benefit from structure.
How does explicit instruction benefit teachers?
This method of teaching makes it easier for teachers to monitor and track student
progress at each stage of explicit instruction.
What is the goal of explicit instruction?
The goal of explicit instruction is to encourage students to become more independent as
they move from teacher-led instruction, to guided practice, and gradually to more
independent practice where they can practice and apply skills and knowledge while
receiving ongoing feedback from the teacher.
16 elements of explicit instruction
1. Focus instruction on critical content
2. Sequence skills logically
3. Break down complex skills and strategies into smaller instructional units
4. Design organized and focused lessons
5. Begin lessons with a clear statement of the lesson's goals and your expectations
6. Review prior skills and knowledge
7. Provide step by step demonstrations
8. Use clear and concise language
9. Provide an adequate range of examples and non-examples
10. Provide guided, supported practice
11. Require frequent responses
12. Monitor student performance closely
, 13. Provide immediate affirmative and corrective feedback
14. Deliver the lesson at brisk pace
15. Help students organize knowledge
16. Provide distributed and cumulative practice
Understanding the complexity of skills, teachers split skills into manageable
steps to avoid overloading students' processing demands. Which element of
explicit teaching does this definition correspond to?
Breaking complex skills down. For students with special needs, a statement like "Get
ready for reading workshop" can be overwhelming. There are likely many steps involved
in getting prepared. In this example, you might have the steps written out somewhere
on a poster for reference that would include detailed steps: "Get your book box from the
back table. Bring your book box to your desk. Take out the book you are reading. Take
out your reading journal. Take out your pencil. Eyes on the teacher." Clarifying the skills
or steps involved can help to ensure students do not feel overwhelmed.
Students are given the opportunity to try out the skill in an authentic manner
while the teacher is available to give assistance through additional teaching,
questioning, and constructive feedback. Which element of explicit teaching does
this definition correspond to?
Guided Practice. Guided practice occurs after the teacher has introduced a new
concept or skill. During guided practice, the students engage in completing a similar
task collaboratively with the teacher. The teacher leads the discussion or lesson but
asks for help or feedback along the way. This helps the teacher realize steps that are
more complicated where students may need additional support or practice.
The teacher carefully selects words that explain the skill in a manner students will
understand. Which element of explicit teaching does this definition correspond
to?
Clear Language. The language a teacher uses must be consistent and unambiguous,
so the students are clear on how to implement the skill. When teaching explicitly, make
sure all of the words and vocabulary used are age appropriate and related to the
concept.
Using "thinking aloud" (explaining the process inside one's mind), the teacher
provides a step-by-step explanation of how to implement a skill. Which element of
explicit teaching does this definition correspond to?
Demonstration. A demonstration consists of the teacher showing and explaining the
process needed to perform a skill. During a demonstration, teachers show and explain
the decision-making process needed to complete a task. By using a "think aloud,"
teachers clearly show students how skills work.
6 Principles of Explicit Instruction
1. Optimize engaged time/time on task.
The more time students are actively participating in instructional activities, the more they
learn.
2. Promote high levels of success.
The more successful (i.e., correct/accurate) students are when they engage in an
academic task, the more they achieve.
3. Increase content coverage.
