The Role of Direct Instruction in Computer Science Education Research

Abstract

Direct instruction is a learning theory that garners strong support as well as vociferous criticism. This poster analyzes how DI is used in CS education research, finding that most references to DI are brief and usually contrast DI to another learning theory. In cases where DI is part of a study's research design, it is usually the case that an intervention led to better learning outcomes than DI. Additionally, many studies note a student preference for more DI.