What is Direct Instruction Mathematics? with Marcy Stein and Bernadette Kelly

Welcome back to the Direct Instruction podcast, my name Dr. Zach Groshell, and today we are going to be talking all about Direct Instruction Mathematics.

What you just listened to comes from a 1966 video recording of Zig Engelmann, which I have embedded in the show notes. If you’re not driving while you’re listening to this, I highly recommend that you pause this podcast right now and watch the video in full. It is a perfect showcase for how rigorous and well-structured instruction can empower young learners to grasp even the most complex mathematical concepts.

But what is Direct Instruction mathematics, and how does it differ from more conventional ways of teaching of math? To answer that question, I thought I’d interview some of the experts of DI math about what goes into the design and delivery of this highly effective teaching system. Dr. Marcy Stein is the lead author of Direct Instruction Mathematics and Professor Emeritus of The University of Washington Tacoma.  Also joining us is Dr. Bernadette Kelly who co-authored the DI programs, Connecting Math Concepts and Essentials for Algebra. This is an incredible episode that I hope will prompt more schools to consider how top-notch materials designed with the DI approach can break the cycle of stagnant achievement in mathematics.

This episode is brought to you by NIFDI, or the The National Institute for Direct Instruction. Registration is open for the National Direct Instruction Conference in Eugene, Oregon this summer. Whether you are new to Direct Instruction, or are looking for training on Administrative Leadership, Coaching, and Becoming an Effective DI Trainer, this is the conference for you. I’ve provided the links to register in the show notes, and I encourage you to sign up for what is the most comprehensive DI training available anywhere.
  

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