Visible Learning MetaX defines explicit instruction in the following manner: "Explicit instruction is characterized by a series of supports or scaffolds, whereby students are guided through the learning process with clear statements about the purpose and rationale for learning the new skill, clear explanations and demonstrations of the instructional target, and supported practice with feedback until independent mastery has been achieved. Explicit teaching strategies typically involve instruction, guided practice, and teaching to mastery." With an effect size falling well within the zone of desired effects, backed by over 5,500 studies, explicit instruction clearly demands our attention when considering essential instructional components to undergird core instruction. Systematic Instruction refers to instruction that is built upon a fixed, common framework  of standards that involve a progression of skills spanning from PreK to Grade 12.  (Witzel & Powell, 2022). In addition, students within a particular class are along an independent continuum of learning within each particular skill.  To be systematic in our instruction, means that we are intentionally crafting an instructional plan based upon both the sequential progression of standards and for each student's particular needs for their own learning within each standard.  Systematic also refers to planning vertically, across grade-levels to connect with a student's prior learning as they progress from one grade-level to the next. We are systematic going from grade to grade, introducing vocabulary, modeling, and explicit instruction in a coherent nature that makes sense.

Misconceptions about explicit and systematic instruction abound. It is important to clearly set forth the components involved in explicit and systematic teaching. Read on to find out the essential components, and why this seemingly outdated practice is worth its weight in gold when it comes to improving student outcomes!

Source: Witzel, B. & Powell, S. (2022, November 7). Kansas Math Project  [Presentation]. Kansas MTSS & Alignment Mathematics, Topeka, Kansas.