Direct Instruction

"The creative potential of students is limited by what they know. The first job of the teacher, therefore, is to teach basic skills and knowledge."

Here are some myths regarding Direct Instruction - you will be surprised!

It is difficult to show how Direct Instruction (DI) could foster divergent thinking and creativity. The use of DI is to teach basic skills needed in order for a base knowledge for a topic. Generally, when learning basic skills, there is a "right" answer. Direct Instruction is necessary because it gives students something upon which to build their creativity and knowledge. Generally speaking, you can not conduct a science experiment unless you know how to use the instruments. You can not creatively compose a song unless you know how to play or write music. I believe direct instruction may be the foundation of divergent thinking and creativity. In which case, it would foster divergent thinking. -Ashley Jones

Direct Instruction can also be used in collaboration with other teaching methods. On some topics, before students can begin to think creatively, they must first have a basis of knowledge that must be taught directly. Once they have a foundation, students can begin to think more abstractly about a concept. -Christopher Landauer