Zach Groshell, a teacher and advocate for evidence-based instruction, joins Chris Such to explore the ins and outs of explicit teaching. They discuss the evolution of Zach's perspective and tackle the misconception that explicit methods stifle creativity. The duo highlights the importance of mastering effective explanations and overcoming common misunderstandings in teaching. They also delve into strategies that enhance classroom management and the debates surrounding explicit approaches, encouraging educators to refine their practices for better student engagement.
Zach Groshell shares his transformative journey towards explicit teaching, highlighting its effectiveness in improving student outcomes through structured guidance.
The discussion addresses common misconceptions about explicit teaching, clarifying that it doesn't stifle creativity, but rather supports student learning through clear instruction.
Emphasizing the importance of high-quality teacher explanations, the podcast underscores their role in fostering comprehension and facilitating independent student practice.
Deep dives
Importance of Explicit Teaching
Explicit teaching is emphasized as a crucial method that allows for clear instruction and understanding among students. The model is often misunderstood, with misconceptions linking it to mere lecturing or teacher monopolization of the classroom. In reality, it invites a structured approach to lessons where teachers provide direct guidance and support while facilitating an environment for students to learn effectively. By using this method, students receive the necessary scaffolding to foster their learning and build confidence, ultimately resulting in better academic performance.
Research on Reading Fluency
Recent findings highlighted by the Fisher Family Trust underline the significance of reading fluency assessments across thousands of schools in England. The report marks an important shift by providing educators with much-needed benchmarks for evaluating oral reading fluency among students. This new metric is particularly beneficial as it allows English educators to interpret fluency data tailored to their teaching context, avoiding the challenges tied to relying on U.S. norms. Additionally, the report underscores the correlation between reading fluency and comprehension, affirming that fluency remains a vital component of effective reading instruction.
Shifting Perspectives on Teaching Methods
The discussion reveals a personal journey of unlearning previously favored teaching methods and embracing explicit instruction. Initially, the focus was on minimal guidance and student-activated learning which, although engaging, often left some students struggling. A transition occurred when the realization set in that structured, explicit directions led to better outcomes, particularly for those on the margins who required more support. Reflections highlight the importance of evolving one's teaching philosophy by adapting more direct methods to enhance student performance and engagement.
Effective Teacher Explanations
The quality of teacher explanations is critical in fostering student understanding and success in the classroom. Effective explanations require teachers to convey information clearly and concisely, connecting essential knowledge to examples that can be easily grasped by students. When teachers take time to prepare and rehearse their explanations, they create a solid foundation for independent practice and reduce the need for repetitive clarification later. This method not only enhances comprehension but also allows teachers to better assess student understanding as they move forward with lesson plans.
Future of Evidence-Based Teaching
There is an ongoing discussion about the future direction of evidence-based teaching methods, particularly the need for specific techniques in the classroom. Emphasizing cognitive science as a lens for understanding effective teaching practices, the conversation acknowledges the importance of translating theoretical insights into practical application. A key suggestion is to focus on subject-specific explanations and instructional techniques that can enhance student learning. By integrating these insights, it is hoped that educators will become better at delivering content in a way that significantly improves student engagement and achievement.
Episode 206: This week on Thinking Deeply about Primary Education, I’m joined by Chris Such and Zach Groshell, teacher, researcher, and advocate for evidence-based teaching. Together, we delve into explicit and direct instruction its foundations, its misconceptions, and its future in education.
In this episode, we discuss:
Zach’s journey into explicit teaching and how his perspective has evolved.
How to address criticisms that explicit teaching stifles creativity and autonomy.
The characteristics of truly effective explanations and how teachers can master this skill.
Misconceptions about explicit teaching and strategies for overcoming them.
What the future might hold for evidence-based teaching approaches.
Whether you’re an experienced teacher or new to explicit teaching, this episode provides valuable insights to challenge assumptions, refine your practice, and inspire your approach to instruction.
If you enjoy this episode, please support us by subscribing to our YouTube channel, leaving a review on Apple Podcasts, or making a donation via Ko-fi.
You can pick up your copy of Just Tell Them: The Power of Explanations and Explicit Instruction here and tickets for the upcoming TDaPE conference here - tickets for the conference close in around 4 weeks, so get yours while you can...
If you have any questions or comments, join our Discord server, where we have a special channel for unseen question submissions.
Remember Everything You Learn from Podcasts
Save insights instantly, chat with episodes, and build lasting knowledge - all powered by AI.
