Direct Instruction

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Direct Instruction

Direct Instruction (DI) is a teaching model and accompanying curricula for supporting learners in mastering language, reading, math, and other academic subjects. Instructors follow carefully developed scripted lessons to present instructional content in a clear and consistent manner on each learner’s current skill level. The pace of the instruction is quick, and the specificity of the lessons decreases students’ confusion or misinterpretations.

DISCLAIMER:
This module is not intended to replace the Direct Instruction training, but rather, to introduce basic knowledge of DI as an evidence-based practice for learners with autism.

What Will I Learn?

The AFIRM model guides the learner through four lessons to facilitate:

  • Learning basic knowledge about Direct Instruction (DI).
  • Applying DI in activity based scenarios that promote real-world application.

The Direct Instruction module will take approximately 1.5 to 2 hours to complete.

Suggested citation:
Rentschler, L., Sam, A., Waters, V., Dees, R., & AFIRM Team. (2022). Direct Instruction. The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Frank Porter Graham Child Development Institute, Autism Focused Intervention Modules and Resources. https://afirm.fpg.unc.edu/direct-instruction

Professional Standards


Council for Exceptional Children (CEC) Standards that apply to all 28 evidence-based practices (PDF document, 5 pages)

CEC standards that apply specifically to the Direct Instruction module (PDF document, 3 pages)

Council for Exceptional Childen

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