Article:
Every year, thousands of students with a disability in reading or writing struggle to keep up with their classmates. But what many parents don’t realize is that there is a way to help their child succeed: direct instruction.
Direct instruction is a specific style of teaching that focuses on presenting information in short, easily understood chunks, often in the form of brief lectures, step-by-step criticism, frequent reviews and practice. This type of instruction allows students with disabilities to process the material more quickly, understand and absorb it more efficiently, and be more likely to retain it down the line.
Educational experts agree that this real-time instruction is beneficial for students with disabilities, as it allows them to receive immediate feedback and reinforcement from their teachers. This feedback helps them understand what they’re learning and know when they’ve done something right or wrong.
Despite the proven efficacy of direct instruction in helping students with disabilities in reading or writing, many traditional teaching methods still rely on the same rote memorization and outdated study tactics. By switching to a direct instruction approach, educators can provide students with disabilities with the individualized instruction they need to progress and reach their academic goals.
What Does The Research Say About Direct Instruction?
Research indicates that direct instruction can have positive results for students with a disability in reading or writing. According to a paper from the American Federation of Teachers, “It is possible to teach most students how to read if we start early and follow the significant body of research showing which practices are most effective.”
The paper goes on to explain that “by implementing practices that are research-based and tailored to each student’s needs, educators can provide students with the individualized instruction and support they need to become proficient readers and writers.”
Further research published in the Special Education Journal suggests that “direct instruction implemented in an individualized, systematic manner is associated with higher achievement for students with disabilities in reading and writing.”
Conclusion
Educational experts agree that direct instruction is the most effective way to help students with a disability in reading or writing succeed. Research tells us that when this type of instruction is implemented in an individualized, systematic manner, it can have positive results for students with disabilities, leading to higher achievement in reading and writing.