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

S4E16: Natalie Wexler on Knowledge, Cognitive Science, and Beyond Phonics

In this episode, I catch up with Natalie Wexler to discuss her new book, Beyond the Science of Reading. Our wide-ranging conversation covers often underrepresented areas of the science of reading, including the importance of background knowledge for comprehension, cognitive load theory, and explicit writing instruction. Listen and subscribe to Progressively Incorrect on…SpotifyYouTubeApple PodcastsWordPress This … Continue reading S4E16: Natalie Wexler on Knowledge, Cognitive Science, and Beyond Phonics

Defining Explicit Teaching and Direct Instruction

Something about the label, direct instruction, seems to conjure images of boring lectures. The change to using explicit instruction was probably, at least in part, an attempt to remedy this, just like how testing got changed to retrieval practice to avoid associations with standardized tests. Retrieval is still testing, and explicit instruction is still direct, … Continue reading Defining Explicit Teaching and Direct Instruction

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

The Literacy View & Lucy Calkins

I was recently invited to speak on The Literacy View, where we had a laugh and discussed some of the policies that are being put in place to filter out nonsense in some of the worst reading programs, like three cueing. We also sipped to our concerns that the gurus of balanced literacy past may … Continue reading The Literacy View & Lucy Calkins

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

Just Tell Them, Don’t Play Guessing Games

Today I was interviewed by Robert Pondiscio, who has hosted talks by me before. It will be a while before that article is published, so in the meantime, I thought I would share two media appearances of my new book, Just Tell Them: The Power of Explanations and Explicit Teaching. 1. Just Tell Them: A … Continue reading Just Tell Them, Don’t Play Guessing Games

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

Explicit Teaching: A Podcast and a Webinar

Training opportunity approaching!!! I am hosting a free instructional coaching webinar on November 25, 2024. Sign up here and join me and special guests to learn about Steplab’s platform and approach to responsive coaching. Several people have asked me recently if explicit teaching and structured learning is making a comeback. I cannot be sure, because the people who … Continue reading Explicit Teaching: A Podcast and a Webinar

Doug Lemov, Josh Goodrich, Peps Mccrea on Steplab and Teach like a Champion

S4E5: Steplab + Teach Like a Champion with Doug Lemov, Josh Goodrich, and Peps Mccrea

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 this podcast on…SpotifyYouTubeApple PodcastsWordPress Today I … Continue reading S4E5: Steplab + Teach Like a Champion with Doug Lemov, Josh Goodrich, and Peps Mccrea