Progressively Incorrect S5E01: Greg Ashman on Explicit Teaching and Inquiry Learning
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Sep 2, 2025 In this engaging discussion, Greg Ashman, a prominent voice in education and advocate for explicit instruction, shares insights from his journey in the UK and Australia. He critiques the dichotomy between explicit teaching and inquiry-based learning, arguing for their complementary roles. Ashman dives into cognitive load theory and its impact on mathematical problem solving, advocating for structured teaching approaches. He also addresses challenges in teacher preparation and the need for educators to have a voice in shaping effective teaching methodologies.
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Procedures And Concepts Reinforce Each Other
- Greg Ashman argues the video presents a false choice between step-by-step procedures and investigative learning.
- He cites research showing procedures and conceptual understanding are mutually reinforcing, not oppositional.
Conceptual Understanding Is Hard To Measure
- Measuring 'conceptual understanding' is hard and often reduces to memorized definitions.
- Ashman used transfer (solving different problems) as a better proxy for conceptual knowledge.
Use Explicit Teaching As A Full System
- Use a whole-system view of explicit teaching: fully explain and model before independent practice.
- Gradually release control: I do, we do, you do, then move to complex problem solving.
