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What is DI?

What is DI?

Direct Instruction (DI) is a model for teaching that emphasizes well-developed and carefully planned lessons designed around small learning increments and clearly defined and prescribed teaching tasks. It is based on the theory that clear instruction, eliminating misinterpretations, can greatly improve and accelerate learning.

Its creators, Siegfried Engelmann, Dr. Wesley Becker, and their colleagues, have proven that correctly applied DI can improve academic performance as well as certain affective behaviors. It is currently used in thousands of schools across the nation, as well as in Canada, the UK, and Australia. Schools using DI adopt a vision that delivers many outcomes that other models only promise.

Basic Philosophy

Direct Instruction operates on five key philosophical principles.
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Common Myths and Misconceptions

Numerous myths about DI circulate in education circles, usually by people who have never taught the program or never seen it used by teachers who have received proper training and support.
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Authentic Direct Instruction

Learn how Siegfried Engelmann developed and refined Authentic Direct Instruction, the most comprehensive and effective system for teaching the widest range of learners.
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Intro to DI Video Series

This nine-part introduction covers a range of topics addressing the fundamentals of Direct Instruction.
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Siegfried "Zig" Engelmann on Instruction

In this video series, Zig Engelmann discusses his thoughts on everything from “Drill and Kill” to multi-sensory learning to teachers’ creativity in a DI classroom
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Project Follow Through

Project Follow Through was a federally sponsored education study launched in 1968 to identify the most effective ways to teach at-risk children in kindergarten through grade 3.
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Timeline of DI Events

This timeline highlights many of the milestones in the history of Direct Instruction.
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Which best describes your role?

Curriculum Decision Maker
School and District Leader

Interested in learning how to implement Direct Instruction in your district, school, or home? NIFDI can help. Click a button below to learn more. 

Leaders
Coaches
Teachers
Parents
What is a Peer Coach?

Peer coaches play a critical role in sustaining strong implementation of Direct Instruction (DI) at the school level. Selected during the first year of implementation, peer coaches are classroom teachers who demonstrate strong instructional practice, effective communication with colleagues, and a willingness to support others. Because they teach the same programs as their peers, they bring practical expertise and shared experience that help build trust and collaboration across the school.

As implementation progresses, peer coaches extend the impact of NIFDI consultants by providing ongoing, school-based support when consultants are not on-site. Their coaching is non-evaluative and focused on improving student outcomes. Peer coaches reinforce effective teaching practices and guide colleagues to make targeted adjustments that directly impact student performance and behavior.

Peer coaches participate in a structured, multi-year training sequence through NIFDI. Over the course of two to three years, they are trained to analyze student performance data, conduct both brief and extended classroom observations, and support data-driven problem solving. Advanced training prepares them to lead grade-level meetings and contribute to broader instructional planning with school leadership.

By developing peer coaches, schools build internal capacity to maintain and strengthen DI implementation over time—ensuring continuity, supporting new staff, and driving sustained student achievement.