At Camp Hill State Infants and Primary School, our teachers use explicit instruction as a core teaching approach to support student learning. Explicit instruction involves breaking down complex concepts into smaller, manageable learning steps and modelling each step clearly. This method ensures that students can process and understand new information more effectively, building their confidence and skills progressively. An Explicit Instruction lesson is highly structured and focuses on three distinct stages that a student 'moves through' in a lesson: I DO (modelled), WE DO (guided), and YOU DO (independent). The teacher is always checking for understanding throughout the lesson so that he or she gauges the level of understanding of the explicitly taught concept(s). If the level of understanding is poor the teacher needs to reteach the concept until the majority of students in the class have at least a good understanding of what has been taught before a teacher sets the independent task for the lesson.
Why Explicit Instruction Works
Explicit instruction is grounded in research about how the brain learns, stores, and retrieves information. By presenting content in a structured and systematic way, this approach aligns with how students process information, making it easier for them to retain and apply their learning. It is a highly effective teaching strategy that supports all learners, including those who may need additional guidance, to achieve their full potential.