Module 2: Explicit Teaching Mastery

Explicit teaching is one of the most consistently effective instructional approaches available to teachers. Students learn best when new concepts are clearly explained, modelled, practised and checked for understanding. This module explores the core components of effective explicit teaching.

Lesson 1: Learning Intentions

Students learn more effectively when they understand what they are expected to learn. Learning intentions provide clarity and purpose.

Classroom Application

  • State the learning intention at the beginning of the lesson.
  • Use student-friendly language.
  • Refer back to the intention throughout the lesson.

Lesson 2: Success Criteria

Success criteria help students recognise what successful learning looks like. They make expectations visible.

Classroom Application

  • Provide examples of successful work.
  • Discuss quality indicators.
  • Use criteria during feedback.

Lesson 3: Teacher Modelling

Students benefit from seeing expert thinking demonstrated. Modelling makes invisible thinking visible.

Classroom Application

  • Think aloud while demonstrating.
  • Show both process and reasoning.
  • Break complex tasks into steps.

Lesson 4: Worked Examples

Worked examples reduce cognitive load and help students understand how a process works before attempting it independently.

Classroom Application

  • Show complete examples.
  • Discuss each step explicitly.
  • Compare strong and weak examples.

Lesson 5: Guided Practice

Guided practice allows students to apply learning with support before independent work.

Classroom Application

  • Use gradual release.
  • Provide prompts and scaffolds.
  • Monitor understanding closely.

Lesson 6: Independent Practice

Independent practice helps consolidate learning and build confidence.

Classroom Application

  • Provide sufficient practice opportunities.
  • Check for misconceptions.
  • Encourage reflection.

Lesson 7: Checks For Understanding

Teachers should regularly check whether students understand before moving on.

Classroom Application

  • Use questioning.
  • Use mini whiteboards.
  • Use exit tickets.
  • Respond to evidence of learning.

Key Takeaways

  • Learning intentions provide clarity.
  • Success criteria define quality.
  • Modelling supports understanding.
  • Worked examples reduce cognitive load.
  • Guided practice bridges learning.
  • Checks for understanding prevent misconceptions.

Classroom Challenge

Plan one lesson using all stages of explicit teaching: Learning Intention → Modelling → Guided Practice → Independent Practice → Check for Understanding.

Professional Reflection

Which stage of explicit teaching is currently strongest in your practice?



Which stage would you like to improve?



What action will you take during your next lesson?

Implementation Commitment





✓ Complete Module