The Behavioral Observations Podcast with Matt Cicoria

Direct Instruction for Teaching Reading and Math: Session 129 with Michael Maloney

Sep 4, 2020
Michael Maloney, with over 40 years in education, discusses the evolution of Direct Instruction and its impact on teaching reading and math. He shares insights from Project Follow Through, highlighting both its successes and challenges. Maloney reflects on his experiences developing educational centers and software, advocates for effective teacher training, and addresses student resistance to timed drills. He also introduces innovative tools for enhancing learning and the importance of community efforts in education, especially during challenging times.
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ANECDOTE

Early Career and Training Anecdote

  • Michael Maloney started teaching in difficult schools before entering behavior analysis training.
  • He credits early behavior analysts like Fred Skinner and Eric Hott for shaping his career.
INSIGHT

Direct Instruction Success, Political Failure

  • Project Follow Through found direct instruction vastly outperformed other educational methods.
  • Political resistance, not data quality, blocked its widespread adoption.
INSIGHT

School Priorities Limit Change

  • School districts prioritize calm over innovative educational methods.
  • This preference inhibits adopting effective but demanding approaches like direct instruction.
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