A direct instruction learning environment is a teaching approach in which the person teaching the content delivers it in an explicit and structured way. This method has no emotion attached to it and is focused on providing clear explanations and ensuring students acquire knowledge and skills effectively. An example of this would be a calculus teacher, who presents a step-by-step procedure for solving a problem. The teacher does this by demonstrating the process on the board and then allowing the students to practice through similar problems. The teacher would stand by and provide immediate feedback and reinforcement. Interestingly, you can also use direct instruction in more passive topics like English. For example, a teacher introduces a grammar rule, explaining what a vowel for instance then provides clear examples and explanations on what they are and when/how they are used. Students then practice identifying vowels in sentences and receive feedback, similar to the calculus teacher. The point here is that direct instruction can be used in a multitude of ways for a variety of topics; but with that being said, there are also pros and cons to this method.
Pros:
- Clarity: Direct instruction provides a clear structure and guidance to students, making it easier for them to understand and follow along. This can be helpful for people who need clear directions and may not be as creative
- Efficiency: Teachers deliver targeted material in a systematic manner, covering a significant amount of content in a short period of time. This is great when you need to cover a broad curriculum or when time is limited.
- Accuracy: Students get consistent and accurate information from a teacher. This helps minimize misconceptions that may arise from peer-based learning for example
Cons:
- Passive learning: Students often take a passive role in the information provided, as it may be too difficult, intense or loaded. This can reduce their engagement and limit their ability to think independently or problem solve
- Limited Creativity: When a teacher uses a direct teaching method, it may leave no room for creativity. Students will have limited opportunities to explore their own ideas and think critically
- Base Level Learning: Teachers may prioritize the transmission of factual information and memorization over deeper understanding and applying knowledge. This can hinder the development of critical thinking skills and the ability to transfer learning to real-world situations.
Our topic for the project involves ChatGPT, which is definitely an example of direct instructional learning. ChatGPT is a computer that responds to prompts that you put into it, and then it provides matter-of-fact responses that are concise and extremely direct. There is no emotion attached to the responses because it is a computer. In fact, when you attempt to ask it a more personal question it responds back with a reply that indicates it will not be able to answer that question and offers suggestions. For example, when I typed in: “Hey chat, what’s your favourite colour?” ChatGPT replied “As an AI, I don’t have personal preferences or feelings, so I don’t have a favourite colour. However, I can help you with any questions or topics you’d like to discuss! Is there something specific you would like assistance with?”
As stated above, this is a perfect example of why ChatGPT not only uses direct instructions but is actually probably the best direct instructional program on the internet to date. You can ask the program things from gym routine to astronomy questions, and even relationship advice; which again is matter-of-fact and basic. I think the method of “directional learning” aligns perfectly with our chosen topic and can also be considered one of the better examples of this form of learning on the internet.