As teachers, we’re always trying out different pedagogies, each one promising to help our students reach their full potential. When I first encountered explicit teaching, I had mixed feelings. At times, it felt rigid and overly structured, like I was more of a drill master than a teacher. But over time, I learned how powerful this approach can be when used thoughtfully. It’s not a one-size-fits-all solution—it works wonders for teaching certain content, especially foundational skills, but isn’t always the best fit for every lesson.
That said, when used at the right time, explicit teaching brings clarity and focus to learning, and I’ve seen firsthand how it can transform a classroom. So, how do you know when to use this method?
In this blog post, I’ll walk you through the key situations where explicit teaching can make a real difference in your classroom, and I’ll also share four scenarios where it might NOT be the best approach.
RELATED POST: Why Explicit Teaching is Effective.
Situations Requiring Explicit Teaching
Explicit teaching shines in various scenarios, particularly when introducing new concepts or addressing specific learning needs. Here are some key situations where this approach proves invaluable:
1. Introducing New Concepts:
When students are learning something entirely new, explicit instruction provides the structure they need to grasp key concepts. By breaking down complex ideas into manageable steps, you ensure that students build a solid foundation before moving on to more advanced topics.
2. Addressing Knowledge Gaps:
Explicit teaching is especially useful for filling gaps in students’ knowledge. If students are struggling with a particular topic, a direct and detailed approach helps clarify misunderstandings and reinforce their learning.
3. Teaching Foundational Skills
For skills that require a clear, step-by-step process—like basic math operations, grammar rules, or scientific methods—explicit teaching is incredibly effective. These are areas where students need clarity and repetition to achieve mastery, and explicit instruction ensures they have a strong grasp of the fundamentals.
4. Supporting Students with Learning Difficulties
Students with learning difficulties often benefit from the structured, predictable nature of explicit teaching. It allows them to focus on one step at a time, which can reduce feelings of overwhelm. By providing clear instructions, regular checks for understanding, and guided practice, you’re creating a learning environment where they can succeed at their own pace.
5. Behavioural needs
Explicit instruction can be a game-changer for classroom management, especially with students who struggle with behavioural expectations. By clearly teaching routines, procedures, and expectations from the start, students know exactly what is expected of them. This consistency helps reduce anxiety, keeps students on task, and promotes positive behavior. When students know what’s coming next and understand the steps involved, they are less likely to act out, and you spend less time managing disruptions and more time teaching.
Aligning with Curriculum Goals
Explicit teaching aligns seamlessly with various curriculum frameworks, making it a versatile tool in your teaching arsenal. By incorporating explicit teaching methods, you can ensure that your lessons meet curriculum standards and objectives, providing students with the skills and knowledge they need to succeed.
Signs That Explicit Teaching is Needed
How can you tell if explicit teaching is the right approach for a particular lesson? Here are some indicators:
- Students’ Confusion: If you notice that students are confused or struggling to grasp a concept, explicit teaching can help clarify their understanding.
- Lack of Engagement: When students seem disengaged or disinterested, a structured and clear approach can capture their attention and boost their motivation.
- Complexity of the Material: For topics that are inherently complex or challenging, explicit teaching provides the detailed explanation needed to make the material accessible.
Practical Tips
Integrating explicit teaching into your lessons doesn’t have to be daunting. Here are some practical tips to get you started:
- Start with Clear Objectives: Define what you want students to learn and how you’ll measure their understanding. (Lesson Intent and Success Criteria)
- Model the Process: Demonstrate each step of the process, using examples and visual aids to reinforce key points. (I DO – teacher model the steps to success)
- Provide Guided Practice: Offer opportunities for students to practice with your support before moving on to independent work. (WE DO – Gradual release into YOU DO)
- Use Formative Assessment: Check in with students regularly to assess their understanding and adjust your instruction as needed.
When NOT to use Explicit Teaching
While explicit teaching can be a highly effective strategy, it’s important to recognise that it isn’t always the best fit for every situation or type of content. Here are a few scenarios where you might want to reconsider:
Fostering Creativity and Critical Thinking
Explicit instruction is great for teaching foundational skills and clear-cut procedures, but it’s less effective when you want students to engage in creative problem-solving or critical thinking tasks. In these cases, an inquiry-based approach or open-ended activities that allow for exploration and self-discovery are often more beneficial.
Exploratory Learning
When students are learning through experimentation or discovery, explicit teaching can feel too restrictive. For example, during hands-on projects, experiments, or group discussions, students benefit from having the freedom to try, fail, and revise their approach without being told exactly what to do at every step.
Developing Social and Emotional Skills
Skills like collaboration, empathy, and emotional regulation are often best learned through real-life experiences, role-playing, or reflective conversations, rather than through structured, step-by-step instruction. These areas require more flexible, student-led approaches that allow them to practice and develop personal insight.
Advanced or Highly Motivated Learners
While explicit teaching can help even advanced students master foundational concepts, over-relying on it may hinder their potential for deeper exploration and independent learning. Extension students often thrive in environments where they can explore topics on their own and challenge themselves without rigid guidance.
In these cases, alternative approaches such as inquiry-based learning, project-based activities, or student-led discussions might provide a more engaging and meaningful learning experience for your students. As with any teaching strategy, knowing when to apply it—and when to step back—is key to creating a balanced and dynamic learning environment.
Key Take-Aways
- Explicit teaching is a powerful strategy that can enhance student learning and engagement across a variety of contexts.
- By knowing when to use explicit teaching—whether introducing new concepts, addressing knowledge gaps, or teaching complex skills—you can provide your students with the clarity and support they need to succeed.
To see explicit teaching in action, download my free resource: an explicit lesson on simplifying fractions. It’s designed to give you a practical example of how to implement this approach in your math lessons. Give it a try and watch your students thrive!
