An Overview of the Characteristics of the Approach 

“Direct Instruction is a teaching method developed in the United States in the 1960s, focusing particularly on the needs of children with learning difficulties” (Louden, 2014). This form of instruction focuses on behavioural learning and aims to break down learning material into smaller portions making it more digestible and easier to understand. Teachers who use this methodology use lesson plans and students work in groups to complete tasks and the class moves forward as a whole rather than individual progression. A con about the direct instruction methodology is that as a remedial program it takes out the human connection between children and teachers and doesn’t allow teachers to be exceptional (Louden, 2014).

How the Approach Does or Does not Align with Poetry

Certain aspects of the Direct Instruction approach do align with teaching Poetry as this subject can be broken down into sub-sections. These sections can be taught individually making the concepts easier to grasp for students. These sections can be separated by the different types of poetry and the different literary devices that can be utilized in poetry. Also, working as groups within the class allows students opportunities to create and share their poetry which allows for them to get instant feedback. Areas, where this methodology may not align, are using strict lesson plans which may prevent teachers from providing the best learning environments. Poetry is a subject that requires both the students and teachers to be understanding and creative, having a strict lesson plan may hinder the overall creativity of the class. Finally, human connection and understanding of emotions and meanings behind words are essential for poetry. As mentioned above, “direct instruction methodology is that as a remedial program it takes out the human connection between children and teachers” (Louden, 2014). So utilizing just this methodology may not be the best course of action, however, certain portions of this learning methodology can be used.

Does this Method have a Place in our Final Interactive Learning Design?

As mentioned in the previous section of this post, certain aspects of the direct instruction approach can be considered for the final interactive learning design. These aspects are breaking tasks into smaller more digestible concepts as well as creating a group learning environment. However, I do not believe that this methodology cannot be solely relied on for the final interactive learning design. Being creative and having an understanding of human emotions and the meaning behind words is an essential concept of poetry. This requires an adaptable learning environment for both the student and teacher.

Reference(s):

Louden, B. (2014, July 17). Direct instruction and the teaching of reading. Direct Instruction and the teaching of reading. Retrieved May 28, 2022, from https://theconversation.com/direct-instruction-and-the-teaching-of-reading-29157#:~:text=The%20Direct%20Instruction%20method&text=Building%20on%20behaviourist%20learning%20theory,proceeding%20to%20more%20difficult%20skills.