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. Momentum is fragile. Linger too long, and you’ll lose them. Ask a question the … Continue reading Direct Instruction Motivation Part 1: Keep It Moving
Science of Reading Meets Explicit Instruction
I'm an advocate for evidence-based instruction, and one of the few shining areas in that space is early reading. The science of reading provides a wealth of insights into how the mind learns to decode, comprehend, and engage with text. But simply knowing what goes into a science-based literacy block or textbook isn’t enough—students require … Continue reading Science of Reading Meets Explicit Instruction
Maximizing Attention and Teacher Talk (Webinar Recording)
If you follow this blog, you will know that I produce a lot of free content for teachers and instructional leaders. Subscribing gets you direct access to my podcast, Progressively Incorrect, plus information about upcoming events that are worth your time. I recently recorded this webinar with Blake Harvard, the author of Do I Have Your … Continue reading Maximizing Attention and Teacher Talk (Webinar Recording)
S4E25: Daisy Christodoulou on Assessment Practices and Challenges
Today, I am thrilled to host Daisy Christodoulou, an esteemed author and education expert renowned for her groundbreaking work on curriculum and assessment. Daisy's thought-provoking insights have reshaped the way educators approach teaching, and her books, including "Seven Myths About Education," have become essential reads in the field. In this episode, Daisy will delve into … Continue reading S4E25: Daisy Christodoulou on Assessment Practices and Challenges
S4E24: Randi Saulter and Ann Baum on DI in Special Education Settings
Today I am excited to be bringing you an episode of the DI podcast with Randi Saulter and Ann Baum. Randi and Ann are two passionate special education teachers who will take us through what Zig Engelmann called the “picky, picky” details of implementing DI in special education classrooms. This episode is chock full of … Continue reading S4E24: Randi Saulter and Ann Baum on DI in Special Education Settings
Paul Kirschner Explains Explaining
Did you know that my book (reviewed by Beanie Geoghegan here) has an amazing Forward by Paul A. Kirschner? Paul, of course, is a frequent guest of the podcast, the author of countless books and articles, and one of the most important cognitive psychologists in the history of education. Enjoy! EXPLAINING EXPLAINED Humans are (almost) … Continue reading Paul Kirschner Explains Explaining
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
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
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
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