Research suggests that direct instruction is an effective teaching technique for use in kindergarten to grade 12 classrooms. Assume that Ms. Jackson decides to avoid using direct instruction for her grade 7 students because she believes they are not attentive enough to benefit from this teaching technique. By avoiding a teaching technique that might be effective with her students solely because she thinks her students have different needs, Ms. Jackson might be __________ the research findings about the beneficial effects of direct instruction.

Ms. Jackson might be disregarding the beneficial effects of direct instruction by not using it. Direct instruction, while effective, has limitations such as potentially fostering passivity and being less suitable for complex thinking tasks or large groups. A balance of various instructional strategies may offer the best educational experience.

By choosing not to use direct instruction with her grade 7 students based on the assumption that they are not attentive enough, Ms. Jackson might be disregarding or overlooking research findings about the beneficial effects of direct instruction. Direct instruction is a highly structured and effective method of teaching, designed to present information in logical steps and allowing ample practice time for students. It is supported by research for teaching basic skills and for facilitating learning in various educational contexts.

Limits of direct instruction include the need for well-organized instruction units, the potential for fostering passivity in students, and practical challenges with large groups or extended periods of self-guided work. It may not be ideal for facilitating complex thinking or for subjects that do not fit well into sequenced modules. Nonetheless, when used appropriately, direct instruction can be an invaluable component of a comprehensive educational strategy.

When considering instructional strategies, it is important to recognize that teacher-directed instruction is just one of many methods available that can be used to support student learning. A blend of strategies, including those that are student-centered, may often provide the most robust educational experience, especially when taking into account the varied levels at which students may be learning.