Explicit Instruction


"Explicit instruction is systematic, direct, engaging, and success oriented—and has been shown to promote achievement for all students. This highly practical and accessible resource gives special and general education teachers the tools to implement explicit instruction in any grade level or content area."

(Anita L. Archer and Charles A. Hughes)

Overview

Explicit instruction expert, Dr. Anita Archer, provides the rationale and overview of explicit instruction and its benefit to students. This 31:54 clip is from a longer webinar from Anita Archer,

Image that shows the components of explicit instruction and their supporting practices

This image shows the components of explicit instruction. Modeling needs to include clear explanations and planned examples. Practice needs to include guided practice and independent practice. The supporting practices are asking the right questions, eliciting frequent responses, providing immediate and specific feedback, and maintaining a brisk pace,

More than just

"I do, we do, you do"

It is important to consider the supporting practice needed for effective for explicit instruction. Examples used fo each step need to be carefully planned and increase complexity and non examples should be incorporated as well., Both low level and high level questioning is needed to build understanding. Students need ample opportunity to respond to questions and get immediate and specific corrective feedback. Maintain a brisk pace with instruction to maintain student engagement. Slower is not better.


Explicit Instruction is a high leverage practice (HLP). Read about explicit instruction from High Leverage Practices for Inclusive Classrooms chapter 16.



VIDEO CLIP FROM ANITA ARCHERS EXPLICIT INSTRUCTION WEBINAR

In this clip, Anita Archer gives example lessons from a mock virtual math lesson. She demonstrates the supporting strategies that are needed for effective explicit instruction.

Graphic of an arrow pointing to the right to show the stages of the gradual release of responsibility.

Visual Model for Explicit Instruction

Teachers model a strategy or concept. Teachers gradually release responsibility to the student as they provide guided practice to students. Students then demonstrate independence through practice.