Free Direct Instruction Videos Attracting Growing Fanbase

In late 2007, free videos about the direct instruction intervention teaching method started appearing on the Web on social media sites such as YouTube and TeacherTube (an educator-friendly version of the popular YouTube platform). The videos range from specific examples of in-class direct instruction reading intervention teaching to user testimonials about using the time-tested teaching method to award ceremonies from SRA/McGraw-Hill - the primary publisher of direct instruction intervention programs for early literacy and spoken English skills development.

Online videos of the direct instruction teaching method have already received over 70,000 views from fans in the U.S. and around the world, and the DirectInstructionFan channel on YouTube has been viewed over 1,500 times. The social networking aspect of these videos is also helping educators to learn about effective intervention and special education teaching programs such as SRA Reading Mastery and Read to Achieve. Instead of simply watching videos and moving on, viewers of direct instruction online videos are contributing comments, advice to other intervention teachers, and opinions about this explicit teaching method:

"This is my sixth year teaching in a Direct Instruction school. In my 21 years as a teacher, this is the best form of instruction my children have received. The students enjoy direct instruction because they feel successful. They are constantly reminded how well they are doing. "

- Teacher comment posted on YouTube video: The Effectiveness of Direct Instruction Reading Intervention