At the NEMLDC our evidence based oral language programs and teaching approaches ensure that we are providing the best learning opportunities for our students so we can build on their strengths and support them to make progress academically and socially.
One of the ways we do this is by ensuring we have an explicit instruction approach to teaching all areas of the Western Australian curriculum.
Explicit instruction is a way to teach knowledge, concepts and skills to students using direct, structured instruction. It helps make lessons clear by modelling for students how to start and succeed on a task and giving them ample time to practice.
The model is structured in a Gradual Release of Responsibility format.
Review
Lessons begin with a structured review of previously learned knowledge, concepts and skills. This gives students the opportunity to revise and practise important aspects of their learning.
I Do
The teacher tells the students what they need to know and shows them how to do the things that they need to be able to do. It involves teaching strategies such as informing, explaining, modelling and providing examples. We use a lot of visual supports to support our students’ comprehension of tasks.
We Do
This stage involves doing tasks together. It is at this stage that we start to gradually release responsibility to our students. The teacher will often have worked examples on the board for students to help complete missing steps.
You Do
The ‘You Do‘ phase of a lesson involves students practising and applying what they have learnt. This helps them become fluent with what they need to know and be able to do. We give clear and direct feedback which adds further improvements to their learning.
Review & Revise
This stage gives students opportunity to consolidate what has been taught and informs teachers of learning. This evidence of learning gives teachers information for forward planning and teaching.