New York State Teacher Certification Examinations (NYSTCE) Early Childhood Practice Test

What are the steps involved in explicit instruction?

1. Reading and writing exercises

2. Guided reading and independent practice

3. Direct explanation, modeling, guided practice, application

4. Group discussions and projects

The correct answer is: Direct explanation, modeling, guided practice, application

The steps involved in explicit instruction are fundamentally designed to ensure that learners clearly understand the concepts being taught. This approach begins with direct explanation, where the teacher outlines the objective and relevant information in a clear and structured manner. Following this, modeling takes place, which involves demonstrating the skill or strategy that students are expected to learn, providing them with a clear example they can refer to. After modeling, guided practice allows students to engage in the newly learned skill with the support of the teacher, who offers immediate feedback and assistance. This step is crucial as it helps students apply their knowledge in a controlled environment, reinforcing their understanding. Finally, the application phase encourages students to practice the skill independently, which solidifies their learning and promotes confidence. This structured approach is effective because it breaks down complex skills into manageable steps, allowing students to develop their understanding systematically while receiving support until they can demonstrate mastery on their own. Other options, while potentially useful strategies in the classroom, do not represent the sequential, focused nature of explicit instruction as well as the correct choice does.