Why I Switched to Explicit Teaching — and What Happened Next

by Melissa | Jul 30, 2025 | Australian Curriculum, Years 1 & 2, Years 3 & 4, Years 5 & 6

Not long ago, I was stuck in a cycle many teachers know all too well — constantly chasing the next big thing. I’d scroll through Instagram, try the latest Pinterest-inspired strategy, and download every trendy resource in sight. My classroom looked busy, but deep down, I knew something wasn’t working.

That all changed when I leaned into explicit teaching.

Let me be clear: I didn’t make this shift lightly. I was hesitant at first. Would it be engaging enough? Would it feel “fun” enough? But after a full term of committing to this approach, the difference was undeniable — for my students and for me.

Here’s what I discovered about the power of explicit teaching.

What Is Explicit Teaching?

Explicit teaching is a structured, systematic, and direct approach to instruction. It’s grounded in the idea that students learn best when they are taught exactly what to learn, how to learn it, and why it matters — with clear modelling, guided practice, and plenty of opportunities for feedback and mastery.

In short: no guesswork, no fluff. Just clarity, structure, and purpose.

The Benefits I Noticed Right Away

1. Stronger Student Understanding

When I modelled concepts step by step, students actually got it. No more blank stares or wild guesses — they could explain their thinking, show their strategies, and apply skills with confidence.

2. Less Behaviour Management

Yep — explicit teaching reduced behaviour issues. With a clear structure in place, students knew what was expected of them, and they stayed more focused and engaged. Less confusion = less disruption.

3. Better Results (With Less Stress)

Because I was no longer reinventing the wheel every week, planning became faster and more intentional. My lessons were tighter, my students’ progress was clearer, and I wasn’t burning myself out trying to “entertain” them into learning.

4. More Equity

Explicit teaching supports all learners — not just the confident few. By breaking down content into manageable chunks and scaffolding learning over time, I could ensure every student had access to success.

5. Confidence — For Me and My Students

There’s nothing quite like seeing a student’s “ah-ha” moment… and knowing you played a direct role in helping them get there. Explicit teaching gave me a framework that worked — and that confidence rippled through the classroom.

Why It Works

Research backs it up: explicit instruction is one of the most effective ways to teach, especially when introducing new or complex concepts. It supports cognitive load theory, builds foundational knowledge, and makes learning visible for students.

It’s not about removing creativity — it’s about giving students the tools and understanding they need before we ask them to explore, create, or collaborate.

Final Thoughts

Making the shift to explicit teaching simplified my planning, boosted student outcomes, and brought more calm into our classroom. If you’re feeling overwhelmed by all the noise out there, this might be the clarity you’ve been looking for.

✨ Ready to try explicit teaching for yourself? Explore our fully-aligned, ready-to-go units that are built on explicit teaching principles — so you can ditch the chaos and focus on what works.