Direct vs. Indirect Instruction

Direct and indirect instruction are examples of two learning theories. Both theories stress different aspects of student learning. Direct instruction stresses individualized student work. Teachers who beleive in direct instruction tend to lecture students, and give them worksheets to do on their own. These teachers transmit a set of skills or knowledge to the student. They hand them the informtion that they need to know. Indirect instruction requires the students to generate their own knowledge. This view expresses that students gain knowledge through experiences and real-life situations. Many teachers beleiving in this theory propose "what if?" questions to their students to get them to think outside of the box. Non traditional methods of teaching are used with indirect instruction. More videos are shown, more technology is incorporated into the lesson plans. Indirect instruction stresses group work, and cooperative work, so that students can learn from eachother. Personally, I believe that indirect instruction is a more effective way to teach. Students learn a lot from eachother, and even more from experience. I feel that listening to a teacher speak about a subject is a very big waste of time, and that students actually participating in discussions, and seeing what they are learning about is more useful. When I become a teacher, my classroom will be based on indirect instruction because students will find it more interesting and I feel that student interest is the most important key to their success.