What is the main focus of "direct instruction" in teaching?

The main focus of direct instruction is the explicit teaching of specific skills. This instructional approach involves the teacher providing clear, structured lessons where the objectives are directly communicated to students. Teachers model the skills and knowledge to be learned and guide students through the learning process in a systematic manner.

Direct instruction emphasizes clarity and efficiency, often incorporating step-by-step instructions and frequent assessments to ensure understanding. It is particularly effective in teaching foundational skills or concepts where students need clear guidance, enabling them to grasp new material through direct engagement and practice.

In contrast, approaches that focus on student-centered learning or discovery-based methods allow students to explore and learn through experience, often without explicit direction from the teacher. These methods can lead to deeper understanding and critical thinking but do not constitute the main focus of direct instruction, which is centered around teacher-led practices aimed at specific learning outcomes.