Making Explicit Direct Instruction Work

“I’ve read the research, but I worry that Explicit Direct Instruction will be boring. And… what does it actually look like when it’s done well?”

If that sounds familiar, you’re in very good company. The evidence behind Explicit Direct Instruction (EDI) is strong and growing, yet many teachers remain hesitant to use it in practice. Not because they doubt the research, but because they haven’t seen enough clear, compelling examples of what great EDI really looks like in a live classroom – or how it can feel purposeful, responsive and genuinely engaging for learners.

This practical, insight-rich workshop will be delivered by Doug Lemov from Teach Like a Champion, one of the most influential voices in evidence-informed teaching. Drawing on his extensive work with teachers and schools around the world, Doug will help bridge the gap between research and day-to-day classroom practice.

Together, we’ll take the research out of the abstract and bring it to life, analysing video footage from real classrooms in both the US and England. You’ll see how expert teachers use EDI to create lessons that are dynamic rather than dull, structured yet flexible, and engaging for students at every stage.

You’ll explore how EDI, when done well, actively involves learners, builds confidence and leads to stronger outcomes. We’ll focus on how teachers maintain pace, energy and participation, while still being crystal clear about what students are learning and why.

A key focus of the session will be the Alternating Principle – a powerful way of designing EDI lessons that keep students thinking, responding and practising throughout. You’ll see how carefully planned alternation between teacher input and student activity helps ideas stick, supports understanding, and prevents lessons from becoming passive or monotonous.

We’ll also look closely at the role of visuals in EDI. You’ll learn how to optimise slides, boards and worked examples so they genuinely support learning rather than distract from it. Finally, we’ll explore how Explicit Direct Instruction can be combined with Retrieval Practice to strengthen long-term memory, ensuring that learning lasts well beyond the lesson itself.

You’ll leave with a much clearer mental model of high-quality EDI, practical strategies you can use straight away, and the confidence to make explicit instruction not just effective, but engaging, purposeful and memorable for your students.

Who should attend?

This workshop is designed for teachers and leaders across schools and colleges who want to strengthen classroom practice using evidence-informed approaches and see exactly how they work in real settings.

It will be particularly valuable for:

• Classroom teachers (primary, secondary and FE) who want to make Explicit Direct Instruction more engaging and effective
• Heads of department, subject leads and curriculum leaders looking to improve consistency and quality of teaching
• Instructional coaches and mentors supporting colleagues to translate research into practice

• Senior and middle leaders responsible for teaching and learning, professional development or curriculum design
• Early career teachers seeking a strong foundation in high-impact instructional practice, as well as experienced practitioners wanting to refine and sharpen their approach

Whether you are new to Explicit Direct Instruction or already using it and want to take it further, this session will give you practical insights, concrete examples and strategies you can apply immediately in your own classroom or across your organisation.

Cost

The cost of the workshop is £325 per person.

This includes a full day of expert-led professional development, delivered by Doug Lemov, as well as a range of practical tools and resources designed to support implementation back in the classroom. Attendees will leave with concrete strategies, materials and examples that can be applied immediately to improve teaching and learning.

Group bookings are available, with discounts applying for multiple delegates from the same school, college or trust. This makes it an ideal opportunity to invest in shared practice and a common instructional approach across teams.

To find out more about group rates, or to discuss your organisation’s needs, please contact our team.

Secure your place before the end of March and get a 15% discount.

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