Letter to Family and Friends

Dear Pilgrim Families,

You may have heard the terms 'explicit instruction', or 'direct instruction' mentioned in media discussions about education and student performance. At Pilgrim School, we use this evidence-based approach, particularly in English and Maths.

What is Explicit Instruction?

Explicit instruction is a structured teaching method where teachers clearly explain concepts and demonstrate their application before encouraging students to practise and extend their understanding. This systematic approach ensures children are guided step by step through the learning process. It is not a return to outdated 'chalk and talk' methods, but instead fosters engagement through interaction, collaboration, and active participation.

Typically, explicit instruction follows the "I do, we do, you do" framework:

I Do (Modelling)

In the first stage, the teacher takes the lead by explicitly teaching the concept or skill. This involves:

• Explaining the task or concept step by step.
• Demonstrating how to perform the task or solve the problem.
• Using think-aloud strategies to show the thought process behind decisions.

This stage ensures children understand what they are learning, why it is important, and how to apply it. During this phase, the children primarily observe and listen.

We Do (Guided Practice)

In the second stage, the teacher and children work together to practise the concept or skill. This collaborative phase includes:

• Practising as a group, with the teacher providing prompts, asking questions, and offering immediate feedback.
• Encouraging children to engage, ask questions, and explain their thinking.
• Gradually transferring some responsibility to the children while still supporting them.

This stage bridges the gap between modelling and independent practice, ensuring students build confidence with guidance.

You Do (Independent Practice)

In the final stage, students independently apply what they’ve learned. This phase involves:

• Working on tasks or problems without direct teacher assistance.
• Applying the skills or concepts in new or extended contexts.
• Demonstrating mastery and building autonomy.

The teacher monitors progress during this phase, providing feedback or reteaching if necessary.

Benefits of Explicit Instruction

Research highlights its effectiveness:

1. Universal Support: It benefits all learners by transferring knowledge to long-term memory.
2. Adaptable for Diverse Needs: Scaffolded steps support students with learning challenges.
3. Optimised Learning: Breaking down content, connecting it to prior knowledge, and offering review builds deep understanding and independent application.

Explicit instruction aligns with the Science of Learning, which uses insights from cognitive science and psychology to promote effective teaching practices, ensuring children acquire, retain, and apply knowledge successfully.

At Pilgrim School, we are committed to providing high-quality, evidence-based teaching that supports every child’s learning journey. Explicit instruction is just one of the ways we ensure students build confidence and success in foundational skills.

We value the partnership between school and home in fostering a love for learning. If you have any questions about how this approach supports your child’s development, or if you’d like to see it in action, we warmly invite you to connect with us. Together, we can help every student thrive.

Warm regards,

Julie Wicks

Deputy Principal