Skill Development in Explicit Teaching
Building skills is at the heart of effective teaching, but it’s not just about repetition—it’s about using evidence-based strategies that ensure students truly learn, retain, and apply those skills. As a teacher experienced in explicit teaching pedagogy, I’ve seen first-hand how skill development transforms students when lessons are designed with clarity, structure, and purpose. In this post, we’ll explore how explicit teaching can help you master skill development in your classroom.
What Is Skill Development in Explicit Teaching?
Skill development is the process of guiding students from acquiring foundational knowledge to applying it independently. Within the framework of explicit teaching, this involves a gradual release of responsibility:
- I Do: Model the skill clearly, breaking it into manageable steps. Use worked examples and model in real time.
- We Do: Guide students through practice with immediate feedback.
- You Do: Gradually remove support as students gain confidence and independence.
This systematic approach ensures all students, regardless of their starting point, have a clear pathway to mastering the skills they need.
The Key to Effective Skill Development in Explicit Teaching
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Be Explicit and Clear
Don’t assume students know the steps of a skill—even if it seems obvious. For example, teaching a writing skill like summarising requires breaking it down into steps: identify key ideas, remove redundant details, and use concise language. -
Use Visuals and Graphic Organisers
Graphic organisers like flowcharts or Venn diagrams can help students visualise the steps or structure of a skill. For example, when teaching problem-solving in maths, a graphic organiser can show the process of identifying the problem, brainstorming strategies, and evaluating solutions. -
Scaffold with Purpose
Provide the right level of support during guided practice. For example, in maths, you might start with worked examples followed by partially completed problems (faded guidance), and eventually progress to independent problem pairs where students solve one problem with support and the next on their own. -
Feedback is Non-Negotiable
Immediate, specific feedback during the guided practice phase is critical. Highlight what students are doing well and correct errors promptly to prevent misconceptions from forming. -
Incorporate Daily Review
Daily review builds long-term retention by revisiting previously taught skills. A 5-10 minute review at the start of your lesson ensures students retain foundational knowledge while setting the stage for new learning.
Why Skill Development in Explicit Teaching Matters
Without explicit teaching, students often rely on guesswork. Skill development gives them the confidence and tools they need to succeed independently. By breaking down complex skills into clear, achievable steps and providing guided practice, we empower students to bridge the gap between understanding and application.
Your Action Plan
- Start small. Choose one skill you want to teach explicitly this week.
- Create a clear model, scaffolded practice, and independent application plan.
- Reflect on what worked, and refine your approach for next time.
Explicit Teaching Masterclass Now Available
Ready to dive deeper? The Explicit Teaching Masterclass is here to transform the way you plan and deliver your lessons. With over 500 lessons written and a solid foundation in curriculum design, I’ve crafted this masterclass to empower teachers with actionable strategies to engage students and maximise outcomes. From lesson planning to execution, I’ll walk you through each step to ensure you feel confident and equipped in your explicit teaching journey.
By consistently focusing on explicit skill development, you’ll see a noticeable shift in student confidence, engagement, and success.
