The PBIS World Book

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