In classrooms, clarity matters.
When students are learning something new - whether it’s decoding unfamiliar words, solving multi-step problems, or understanding complex concepts - how instruction is delivered has a significant impact on outcomes.
Explicit instruction is a teaching approach grounded in decades of research. It focuses on clarity, structure, and purposeful practice, ensuring students are supported every step of the way.
Our new infographic summarizes the key features of explicit instruction and why it is so effective across year levels and learning areas.
Download the Explicit Instruction Infographic as PDF.
Explicit instruction is a teacher-led approach where new content or skills are taught directly, clearly, and systematically.
Rather than assuming students will discover key ideas on their own, teachers:
Explain concepts clearly
Model what success looks like
Guide students through practice
Gradually release responsibility as students gain confidence
This approach reduces cognitive overload and helps students build accurate understanding from the start.
Research consistently shows that explicit instruction
Improves learning outcomes, particularly for new or complex content
Benefits all learners, including those who struggle or are new to the language of instruction
Supports retention through structured review and practice
Makes learning expectations clear and achievable
By breaking learning into manageable steps and checking for understanding frequently, teachers can respond quickly and prevent misconceptions from taking hold.
Effective explicit instruction typically follows a clear sequence:
Clear explanations using precise language
Teacher modelling (“I do”)
Guided practice with feedback (“We do”)
Independent practice (“You do”)
Ongoing review and checks for understanding
This structure doesn’t limit thinking; it supports it, especially when students are building foundational knowledge.
Explicit instruction is particularly powerful because it:
Makes learning accessible and transparent
Reduces reliance on guesswork
Provides multiple opportunities to practise and succeed
When students know exactly what they are learning and how to do it, confidence and engagement grow.
This infographic can be used:
In staff meetings or professional learning sessions
As a shared language for instructional practice
As a quick reference for lesson planning
It’s designed to make the research clear, practical, and classroom-relevant.
Explicit instruction isn’t about rigid teaching, it’s about intentional teaching.
When clarity, structure, and practice are prioritized, students are better equipped to understand, apply, and retain what they learn.
We’re rethinking what’s possible for reading instruction. With Readable English, teaching is grounded in clear, evidence-based practice so every student can learn with confidence and success.
Explore our resources or contact us to schedule a demo today!