This series explores a rarely discussed strength of direct instruction: its power to motivate students. While critics often paint explicit teaching as boring or uninspiring, the truth is that its structure, pace, and design motivate kids better than any other system. If momentum is the first ingredient of motivation, the second is acknowledgment. Direct Instruction … Continue reading Direct Instruction Motivation Part 2: Productive Praise
Knowledge Is Back—But Only If We Teach It Well
I recently joined Dylan Wiliam and Patrice Bain on the Knowledge Matters Podcast to talk about retrieval practice, mini whiteboards, and the kinds of instructional moves that actually help students remember what they’ve learned. It was a generous conversation - one that didn’t just skim the surface of techniques, but dug into why they matter. … Continue reading Knowledge Is Back—But Only If We Teach It Well
A Refreshing Case for Explicit Instruction
I was happy to see a fantastic and thorough review of my book, Just Tell Them, in the Learning & the Brain blog. This comes after I just presented at Learning & the Brain alongside folks like Doug Lemov, Haili Hughes and Dan Willingham (click those links for podcasts of mine that they each featured … Continue reading A Refreshing Case for Explicit Instruction
S4E17: Kris Boulton on Atomization, DI Principles, and Unstoppable Learning
In this episode, I chat with Kris Boulton, a legend in the space of translating principles of Direct Instruction (DI) into actionable steps for all teachers. It is such a great episode, with some very powerful messaging around the crucial role of the teacher in conveying and breaking down information so that all students can … Continue reading S4E17: Kris Boulton on Atomization, DI Principles, and Unstoppable Learning
S4E15: Brendan Lee and Zach Groshell on Effective Leadership
Welcome back to Progressively Incorrect, a show sponsored by John Catt from Hodder Education and hosted by me, Dr. Zach Groshell. John Catt publishes some of the best books in education, including my book, Just Tell Them: The Power of Explanations and Explicit Teaching. https://www.amazon.com/Just-Tell-Them-Science-Explanation/dp/103600368X Listen and subscribe to Progressively Incorrect on…SpotifyYouTubeApple PodcastsWordPress This is … Continue reading S4E15: Brendan Lee and Zach Groshell on Effective Leadership
S4E14: Kim Lockhart on Supporting L2 Learners with the Science of Reading
Today I am excited to bring you an interview with Kim Lockhart. Kim's work focuses on the science of reading and its application in second language programs. She has been a vocal advocate on social media for moving away from balanced literacy and adopting evidence-based approaches to teaching reading. When I first encountered Kim, it … Continue reading S4E14: Kim Lockhart on Supporting L2 Learners with the Science of Reading
S4E13: Catherine Thevenot on Counting on Your Fingers
Should students be taught to count on their fingers? Today I am excited to bring you an interview with Catherine Thevenot. Catherine is a researcher at the Institute of Psychology at the University of Lausanne in Switzerland. Her work focuses on cognitive development, particularly in the area of numerical cognition and arithmetic skills in children. … Continue reading S4E13: Catherine Thevenot on Counting on Your Fingers
S4E12: Jan Hasbrouck on Reading Fluency and Direct Instruction
Welcome back to Progressively Incorrect. My name is Dr. Zach Groshell, and today I am excited to bring you an interview with Jan Hasbrouck, the keynote speaker at NIFDI’s 2025 National Direct Instruction Conference and Institutes. Dr. Hasbrouck is a renowned researcher and author with a distinguished career dedicated to improving literacy and educational outcomes. Dr. … Continue reading S4E12: Jan Hasbrouck on Reading Fluency and Direct Instruction
S4E11: Sally Bergquist on Explicit Writing Lessons for K-2
Welcome back to Progressively Incorrect, I am your host, Dr. Zach Groshell. This episode is a conversation between me and Sally Bergquist. Sally is an extremely talented and experienced teacher, and she recently challenged me to teach my child to write with her Engelmann-inspired writing program. It was an enormous pleasure to be able to … Continue reading S4E11: Sally Bergquist on Explicit Writing Lessons for K-2
S4E10: Nathaniel Swain, Steven Capp, and Katie Roberts-Hull on Harnessing the Science of Learning
Welcome back to Progressively Incorrect, a show sponsored by John Catt from Hodder Education and hosted by me, Dr. Zach Groshell. John Catt publishes some of the best books in education, including my book, Just Tell Them: The Power of Explanations and Explicit Teaching. It is now Amazon's newest BEST-SELLING book in education! Listen and … Continue reading S4E10: Nathaniel Swain, Steven Capp, and Katie Roberts-Hull on Harnessing the Science of Learning
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