The Department has not funded any research specifically to investigate the direct instruction method of teaching. However, we regularly review research evidence on effective pedagogy to inform the guidance issued by the national strategies. Overall, evidence suggests that while elements of the direct instruction method may be suitable in certain subjects and in certain circumstances, a varied and responsive teaching repertoire is most likely to engage pupils in their learning and support their attainment. The primary and secondary national strategies promote the use of whole class, small group and one to one approaches to teaching, regardless of the areas of learning including, for example, when teaching early reading based on the Simple View of Reading.
We will continue to support teachers and schools to use their professional judgment to select the most appropriate approaches for their pupils, based on evidence of good practice.