- Direct instruction model from the Northwest Regional Educational Laboratory
The Direct Instruction Model has evolved from a theory of instruction developed by Siegfried Engelmann of the University of Oregon. Engelmann’s early works, which focused on beginning reading, language, and math, were published by Science Research Associates in 1968 under the trade name DISTAR. Over the years, the original curricula have been revised and new ones developed through eighth grade. This article provides a detailed description of the direct instruction model.
- Edison Schools
Edison Schools, founded in 1992, is the country's leading private manager of public schools. After engaging in three years of intensive research and development to design innovative schools that could operate at public school spending levels, Edison opened its first four schools in August 1995, and has grown rapidly in every subsequent year. This site provides details of their curriculum and course design.
- The Journal of Direct Instruction
A free, online journal of effective school practices utilizing direct instruction.
- Research regarding direct instruction
There is a substantial body of research supporting the use of DI for early childhood instruction, although it is not nearly as voluminous as the research supporting phonics since DI is relatively new. If you are interested in more information about DI research, you can visit the web site of the Association for Direct Instruction. This web site and its associated University of Oregon ADI site together contain samples of DI materials, including a sample DI script, samples of the SRA Reading Mastery curriculum, an extensive bibliography of research supporting the use of both phonics and DI, and a summary of the results of the largest and longest educational research study ever conducted - the U.S. Department of Education's "Project Follow Through".
- "Direct Instruction" makes enemies, converts
As the use of "prepackaged" school models gains in popularity, "Direct Instruction," which has been around for over 30 years, is gaining new attention — and engendering renewed controversy. Visit this site to learn more.
- Learning Probes
The School Improvement Research site offers research that is applicable such as how to track student learning while using learning probes during class discussion.
- Presentation of Materials & Characteristics of Learners
Adult learners are distinguished from youth learners with specific design followed by a summary. Thinking styles and learning styles are organized and reviewed briefly.
- Bloom’s Taxonomy plus
Bloom’s Taxonomy is in full bloom here. Major categories are explained with appropriate language to begin objective statements. Other links are provided along with other domains: affective and psychomotor.
