EDI - Explicit Direct Instruction

In our implementation of EDI, we focus on several key components:

• Establishing Clear Learning Objectives: We start each lesson by writing clear learning objectives and success criteria on the board (referred to as "WALT" - We Are Learning To...).
• Modeling and Demonstration: We explicitly demonstrate and model the processes and skills we want students to learn. We break down new concepts into manageable steps to facilitate understanding.
• Guided Practice: We provide guided practice with scaffolding and support to help students grasp the material. “I do, we do, you do.”
• Checking for Understanding: We continually check for student understanding and give immediate feedback.
• Activating Prior Knowledge: Helps students see the connections between previous learning and new instructions.
• Relevance: Teachers show the importance of learning the information.
• Independent Practice: This provides an opportunity for students to practice the skills or concepts taught.

In our classrooms, we implement EDI through specific practices:

• Each student has a mini-whiteboard to demonstrate their understanding of new words and concepts, allowing us to quickly assess their comprehension.
• We assign specific "learning spots" for each student based on their individual needs, positioning them in a way that optimises their learning experience.
• We check for understanding every 2-3 minutes during lessons, ensuring that everyone is on track.
• We use repetition to reinforce concepts, providing multiple opportunities for learning.

We have observed several key benefits for our students since implementing EDI:

• Our lessons are well-designed, engaging, and focused on student learning.
• We provide timely feedback and continually check for understanding.
• The use of repetition and guided practice ensures that all students master the concepts.
• We can quickly identify students who need additional support, allowing us to adjust our teaching accordingly.
• Reduces cognitive load as students are supported.
• Increased ability to retain information from short term memory and long term gains.
• Students experience an increased sense of confidence and capacity to learn.

Since adopting EDI, we have seen exceptional improvements in learning outcomes. This structured approach not only promotes academic success but also equips all our students with a solid foundation in Literacy and Numeracy skills. Ultimately, we aim to enable every student at Saint David's Parish School to actively participate and achieve their full potential, regardless of their starting point or learning needs.