Direct Instruction (DI) is a teaching method created by Siegfried Engelmann in the 1960s. It focuses on clear, scripted lessons that aim to improve student learning with immediate feedback.
Research from the National Home Education Research Institute (NHERI) shows that homeschooled students typically score 15 to 25 percentile points higher than public school students on standardized academic achievement tests. A survey of 232 unschooling families by Boston College researcher Peter Gray found that 83% of grown unschoolers pursued higher education, and the majority reported that the self-direction they developed as children was a significant advantage in college and careers (Gray & Riley, 2015).
What is direct instruction?
Direct Instruction, or DI, is a specific teaching method developed by Siegfried Engelmann in the 1960s. It’s not just any teacher-led instruction. DI uses clear, scripted lessons that remove confusion, break down concepts into small steps, and encourage frequent student responses. Plus, it gives immediate feedback. The idea behind DI is simple: if a student isn’t learning, the problem is with the teaching, not the student. The National Institute for Direct Instruction keeps Engelmann's research and methods alive.
The research behind di
From 1968 to the 1970s, Project Follow Through was the largest educational study in the U.S. It compared 22 different teaching methods with disadvantaged primary school students. Direct Instruction showed the best results, boosting not just reading and math scores but also student confidence. A meta-analysis in 2018 found DI improved test scores by an average of 0.6 standard deviations—this is significant! Over the past 60 years, more than 10 million students who struggled have become successful readers thanks to Engelmann’s programs.
Di curricula for homeschoolers
One of the easiest DI programs to access is Teach Your Child to Read in 100 Easy Lessons, co-authored by Engelmann and available at most bookstores. Funnix offers online reading and math programs based on DI, designed for home use. While many other DI programs, like Reading Mastery, are mainly for schools, homeschoolers can find them through used book sellers or online auctions. These scripted lessons make it easy for parents, even those without teaching experience, to follow along.
Is di right for your family?
DI is great for families who want research-backed methods, especially for kids who need extra help or have learning challenges. The scripts take away the guesswork about what to say and do. However, it might not suit everyone. Families who prefer child-led learning or want more flexibility may find DI too rigid. This method requires daily commitment and active parent involvement—it’s not meant for independent work.
The bottom line
Direct Instruction gives homeschoolers access to one of the most researched teaching methods available. If your child struggles with reading or math, or if you want to ensure your teaching is effective, DI programs like Teach Your Child to Read in 100 Easy Lessons provide clear guidance. While it may not fit every homeschooling style, its proven success over six decades makes it worth considering for families looking for structured, effective instruction.
