Phases of Direction Giving: Giving Directions is a 4 Step Process

Giving Directions is a 4 Step Process
1. Get everyone's attention.
2. Give directions to reflect planning.
3. Check for understanding.
4. Monitor and redirect.

Step 1: Get Everyone's Attention
1. Common cause of failure in following directions is that only some of the students are listening.
2. Have everyone's attention. (Can be done by a signal.)
3. Hold students accountable for signal or for responding.
4. Do not give directions until all students are ready.

Step 2: Giving Directions
1. Consider the best time for giving directions: -most likely to be followed if given just before they are to be executed.
2. If movement is involved, give all directions before allowing movement or finish the directions after movement.

Step 3: Check for Understanding
1. Omission of this step frequently results in classroom management problems.
2. Checking for understanding does three things:
a. makes students accountable for listening,
b. provides repetition of steps involved,
c. lets the teacher know if directions were understood or if they need to be taught.
3. It is not enough to say "Do you have any questions?" You must ask questions or promote actions that will make sure students know what they are to do.

Ways to check for understanding. . .
1. Model or have a student model.
2. Ask, "What is the next step?" Let someone answer and have others signal.
3. Ask questions such as "Is this the first thing we do?"
4. Say, "If you know what to do get started. If you are unsure, stay here with me and we'll go over it again."

Step 4: Monitor and Redirect
1. Monitor and Redirect if necessary.
2. This last step is frequently forgotten and it can lead to management problems.
3. Monitor to see who is following directions and who is not.
4. Reinforce those who are following directions and redirect those who need help.
5. This step helps make students accountable and lets them know you expect directions to be followed.

Source: Richardson Independent School District