Explicit Direct Instruction and Cognitive Processing: A Perfect Pair for Learning In today’s fast-changing world of education, teachers need to know not just what to teach, but also how students learn and remember new information. Using the Information Processing Model along with Explicit Direct Instruction (EDI) gives teachers a strong way to improve student learning.…
Maximize Algebra Success: Building Strong Foundations for State Tests Many students struggle with algebra state tests, especially as they transition from basic skills to complex concepts. National assessments like NAEP show that many students perform below grade level in algebra, with performance varying by state and district. However, targeted preparation can make a significant difference.…
Maximizing Student Achievement with Hattie’s Research and EDI: Practical Insights for School Leaders In the pursuit of effective teaching, educators continuously seek strategies that yield the highest impact on student learning. Two highly influential approaches in educational research—John Hattie’s Visible Learning and Explicit Direct Instruction (EDI) —offer compelling insights into maximizing student achievement. By integrating…
Traditionally, Response to Intervention (RTI) is often visualized as a pyramid, with Tier 1 at the base, encompassing the largest group of students, and Tiers 2 and 3 narrowing towards the top, representing progressively smaller groups needing more intensive support. This model can sometimes lead to an over-reliance on remediation, with many students requiring additional…
Building Confidence Through Comprehensive Test Prep Test preparation is vital for helping English Learners (ELs) perform their best on assessments that include speaking, listening, reading, and writing components. State tests, or standardized tests for ELs assess language proficiency across these domains, and targeted test prep helps familiarize students with the format, question types, and expectations,…
The Importance of Test Prep for Students The Role of Test Preparation in Academic Achievement Test preparation is essential for helping students perform at their best during assessments. Whether for state exams, standardized tests, or subject-specific assessments, test prep familiarizes students with the format, question types, and expectations. This reduces anxiety and boosts confidence. Reinforcing…
In the podcast, Silvia Ybarra and John Hollingsworth co-authors of Explicit Direct Instruction (EDI) and EDI for English Learners, share their expertise on applying EDI effectively in classrooms and across entire school systems. Together, they discuss the origins of EDI, how it evolved, and why it drives educational improvement. Silvia and John emphasize EDI’s structured…
EDI AND HIGHER-ORDER QUESTIONING: BUILDING CRITICAL THINKERS Structuring Lessons with Thought-Provoking Questions As an educator focused on effective instruction, the transformative power of Explicit Direct Instruction (EDI) is evident in how it elevates classroom questioning from basic recall to deep critical thinking. This approach reshapes traditional questioning methods into a structured process that promotes deeper…
A Strategy for Engaging Every Student
Learning ObjectivesvsStandards Standards are often confused with Learning Objectives. Standards are the content and skills students need to know by the end of a school year. Learning Objectives are the content and skills students need to know by the end of a lesson. Perhaps most importantly, a Learning Objective defines the purpose of the lesson,…