Abstract: Direct Instruction is a systematic and comprehensive approach to academic instruction. Direct Instruction is based on both behavior analysis and on logical analyses of communication and knowledge systems. As such, Direct Instruction provides an example of how behavioral principles, strategies, and tactics can be arranged to create broad and comprehensive programs of academic instruction that produce large and complex repertoires in learners. In addition, the fact that Direct Instruction also draws upon logical analyses of communication and structural analyses of knowledge systems provides examples of how behavior analysis contacts other areas. The centerpiece of Direct Instruction is teaching for generalization under precise stimulus control. Direct Instruction programs feature integration of rule-governed and contingency-shaped behavior, and systematically build relational responding. Thus, Direct Instruction is important for behavior analysts involved with teaching complex repertoires to virtually any learners. The effectiveness of Direct Instruction programs is supported by a large and varied research base. |