Why not direct instruction?

February 6th, 2005

There are two reasons why I am choosing a problem-solving approach over a direct instruction approach in particular for children who are having difficulties in math. The first is that although direct instruction can be effective for learning a specific procedure, it is not an effective way to learn how to decide what procedures to use when — that is, not for learning how to solve problems or develop strategic competence. Second, if direct instruction is effective, it is most effective when conceptual understanding is in place … but struggling students often struggle precisely because they lack certain conceptual understanding. Not understanding makes it harder to remember how a procedure works or when it is applicable.

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