First She Changed Reading, Now She's Coming for Teaching

Emily Hanford, a well-known education journalist, has played a significant role in transforming the way reading is taught in U.S. schools. Her work, particularly the podcast Sold a Story, has been instrumental in prompting numerous state legislations to mandate reading curricula based on the science of reading. In the podcast's second season, Hanford delves deeper into the direct instruction teaching method, which was developed in the 1960s by Siegfried "Zig" Engelmann, a former marketing executive.

Most schools currently employ a more inquiry-based and student-led approach, where teachers act as guides rather than instructors. However, studies suggest that direct instruction may be less effective in this regard. Hanford has discussed the substantial changes she has helped bring about in schools, the qualities of exceptional teachers, and the controversial nature of Engelmann's teaching style.

Hanford expressed mixed feelings about the impact of her work, emphasizing that meaningful changes in education are a result of a combination of top-down and bottom-up movements. While some legislative changes have led to positive outcomes, such as in Mississippi and Alabama, she acknowledged that passing a law is not enough and can sometimes have unintended consequences.

The second season of the podcast focuses on direct instruction, a teaching technique that some refer to as rote learning. However, Hanford clarified that direct instruction is not merely rote learning; it aims to help students understand concepts and think critically. She described it as a more interactive and engaging approach compared to traditional lecturing, where teachers pose questions, pause for response, and ask all students to respond in unison.

Direct Instruction is characterized by five key elements. Despite its old-fashioned origins, the technique aligns well with recent findings in cognitive science. Hanford acknowledged that while many researchers and educators are left-leaning, direct instruction has garnered support from high-profile politicians, including President George W. Bush, and has been embraced by some in the conservative South.