Direct Instruction

An after-school, one-on-one tutoring program now offered for neurotypical children
with learning disabilities at ASD Montreal from 4:15-5:15, Monday-Friday.
• Cost: $45 per single session, $40 per session for 2 or more per weeks.
Available in English only.

What is Direct Instruction?

The term "Direct Instruction" or "DI*" refers to a rigorously developed, highly scripted method for teaching that is fast-paced and provides constant interaction between students and the teacher. Introduced in 1968, it is based on the work of Siegfried Engelmann, Director of the Association for Direct Instruction and professor at the University of Oregon.

Dr. Engelmann used it to help neurotypical inner-city children learn and excel, but it has proven successful for children regardless of economic level. Multiple studies yield the same results: rapid achievements that persist and increase self-esteem because children can be proud of new, tangible skills.
This method is rich in structure and content. It has been proven in the largest educational study ever (discussed below) and continues to bring remarkable success at low cost when it is implemented.

*Please note that Direct Instruction ('DI') is not to be confused with direct instruction ('di'), a general term for the teaching of a skill-set using lectures or demonstrations of the material, which may or may not include a formal lesson plan or opportunity for student participation.

The largest educational study to date, Project Follow Through, covered 79,000 children in 180 communities and cost over $600 million. Completed in the 1970's, this study examined a variety of programs and educational philosophies with the aim of improving the education of disadvantaged children in grades K-3. Various programs were implemented over a 5-year period and the results were analyzed by the Stanford Research Institute (SRI) and Abt Associates (Cambridge, MA).

Direct Instruction yielded the best results. The other programs, which bring to mind current educational strategies ("holistic," "student-centered learning," "learning-to-learn," "active learning," "cooperative education," and "whole language") were inferior.

Direct Instruction has continuously been developed and refined over the years, particularly at the University of Oregon. The focus is cultivating competence in reading, writing, and math, empowering children to soar in their educational future. Data shows that Direct Instruction excels in educating children for life, furnishing them with important skills, as well as self-esteem and positive feelings about school.

"If the student hasn't learned, the teacher hasn't taught."

– Siegfried Engelmann

Please contact ASD Montreal for more information or to sign your child up for
Direct Instruction sessions.

For more information please consult the following links:
• Jeff Lindsay
www.jefflindsay.com/EducData.shtml
• National Institute for Direct Instruction
www.nifdi.org/15
• SRA Direct Instruction
www.sradirectinstruction.com