There are many myths and misperceptions related to Direct Instruction. We compiled a list of some of the most common ones and tried to find an expert to help us respond to them. Fortunately, we had the perfect spokesperson for the job... Zig Engelmann, creator of DI!

In these five short (2-3 minute) videos, Zig tackles topics ranging from rote learning to higher order thinking skills to teacher creativity. DI users may find them useful to be able to help educate others on some key features of DI programs. NIFDI members may recognize these videos, as they were previously available only to our members in the Members-Only portion of our website.

Not a member and curious what other goodies are available in this private resource? Join NIFDI today and find out! Our members also enjoy discounts on NIFDI Press publications, professional development and more!

As tablets, Kindles and e-readers have become more popular in recent years, the demand for previously published titles to be offered in an e-format has increased. NIFDI continues to add titles to our e-book offerings and has just released Zig's 2007 book, Teaching Needy Kids in our Backward System, to available e-book titles.

Through a tapestry of vignettes that start in the 60s and continue through 2006, Professor Engelmann describes the battles he has fought to provide effective instruction for at-risk kids, particularly children of poverty. You'll also enjoy a number of personal stories from Zig throughout.

Don't have a Kindle? Don't worry! You can access any Kindle book via your Mac, PC or tablet, including iPad. Simply download the free Kindle reading app, login to your Amazon.com account and start reading!

$9.99 E-book
$32.00 Print Edition

As you likely know, there is a vast amount of writing related to Direct Instruction, and new work continues to appear. NIFDI's Department of Research and Evaluation regularly searches for and reviews both past and new writings on Direct Instruction for inclusion in the Research Database. In recent months, the office has identified and reviewed a lesser widely distributed category of studies: theses and dissertations on DI.

Given the size of the DI literature base, the office is confident there are still other important and relevant works, such as dissertations, not yet discovered and we are asking NIFDI News! readers for their help. If you have students who recently completed DI-related projects or know of writings that are not currently included in the database, we ask that you contact NIFDI's Office of Research and Evaluation to share these citations.

You can reach the Research Office at research@nifdi.org or 877.485.1973.

Have you ever wished there was a convenient, online resource that you could use to help explain the fundamentals of DI to newbies? Well, now there is! NIFDI is proud to release our brand new Introduction to Direct Instruction video series!

This nine-part introduction is free and covers a range of topics relevant to individuals new to DI, including:

• What is Direct Instruction?
• What are the Direct Instruction programs?
• What are the Direct Instruction program components?
• How are students assessed in the DI programs?
• What directions are there in the Teacher Presentation Books?
• What is the comprehensive Direct Instruction model?
• What is the research base for Direct Instruction?
• What training and support are available for implementing DI?
• How do I get started with Direct Instruction?

Each video is only about five minutes long, providing a succinct introduction to each topic. Users can browse through the videos separately, but we recommend viewing them in the order they appear on the NIFDI webpage.