Explicit instruction

Definition

Explicit instruction is a structured, systematic, and effective methodology for teaching that involves clearly stating learning objectives, providing direct teaching, modeling skills, and offering guided practice followed by independent practice. This approach emphasizes clarity and organization, making it easier for learners to understand and acquire new knowledge or skills, particularly in language acquisition contexts. It contrasts with more implicit forms of instruction where learning occurs through less direct means.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Explicit instruction often includes clear and concise explanations of new concepts or skills, which helps reduce cognitive load for learners.
2. This method is particularly effective for second language acquisition as it provides learners with the rules and structure of the language directly.
3. Teachers using explicit instruction typically model tasks before allowing students to practice on their own, reinforcing understanding through demonstration.
4. Feedback is a critical component of explicit instruction, as it helps learners correct errors and refine their understanding immediately.
5. Incorporating activities that require active engagement during explicit instruction enhances retention and understanding of the material.

Review Questions

• How does explicit instruction support the process of first and second language acquisition?
  • Explicit instruction supports both first and second language acquisition by providing clear explanations and structured guidance on language rules and vocabulary. This method allows learners to understand complex concepts more easily by breaking them down into manageable steps. Additionally, the direct feedback received during explicit instruction helps students correct errors in real-time, fostering a deeper understanding of the language.
• In what ways can scaffolding be integrated into explicit instruction to enhance language learning outcomes?
  • Scaffolding can be integrated into explicit instruction by initially providing strong support through modeling and guided practice, then gradually reducing assistance as learners become more proficient. For example, a teacher might demonstrate a language task while thinking aloud, followed by prompting students to try similar tasks with decreasing levels of support. This approach not only promotes independence but also reinforces the skills being taught through repeated practice at varying levels of difficulty.
• Evaluate the effectiveness of explicit instruction compared to implicit learning methods in diverse language acquisition settings.
  • The effectiveness of explicit instruction compared to implicit learning methods can vary based on individual learner needs and contexts. Explicit instruction often leads to quicker mastery of specific language rules and structures due to its clear guidelines and feedback mechanisms. However, implicit learning methods may better facilitate natural language use and fluency as they mimic real-life communication experiences. Evaluating their effectiveness requires considering factors such as learner motivation, context, and specific language goals, as both approaches can complement each other in fostering comprehensive language development.

Related terms

scaffolding: A teaching technique that involves providing support to students as they learn new concepts, gradually removing assistance as they gain independence.

language input: The language that learners are exposed to, which is crucial for language acquisition; it can be either explicit or implicit.

cognitive load: The total amount of mental effort being used in the working memory, which can affect learning and information retention.