Clear And Concise Directions

Why should I do it:

• This is a good general strategy to use with all students to increase understanding
• Improves students’ ability to correctly complete assignments
• Helps students to fully benefit and get everything out of an assignment
• Reduces the number of students coming up to get help and clarification
• Improves students attending behaviors
• Reduces redundancy, confusion, and dependency
• Increases students’ confidence when they know exactly what to do without question
• Saves time, effort, and increases production
• Students tend to get to work and engage more quickly

When should I do it:

• This is a good general strategy to use at all times with all students and classes

How do I do it:

• Use clear and understandable language on the level with the students
• Keep directions as succinct, concise, and to the point as possible
• Don’t be “wordy” in directions
• Repeat directions verbally
• Have students repeat and explain directions back
• Do one or several problems or items with the students to clarify the directions
• Break longer directions down into parts and explain each part with examples
• Don’t jump around in directions, rather ensure they are logical, linear (when possible), and not ambivalent
• Break directions down to the main and essential points, avoiding tangents and non-essential details, stories, examples, etc