The first truth about lesson planning is a paradox: In a perfect world, it wouldn’t even exist. Designing curriculum and instruction is its own science, and a difficult one at that. When well-designed programs (e.g., Direct Instruction) are in place, the heavy lifting of content analysis, sequencing and integrating of concepts, and field-testing of lessons…

Education Rickshaw | International Education Blog

13.09.2025

Big DI and little di – Education Rickshaw

When I talk about Direct and Explicit Instruction, I try to emphasize an important distinction. Big DI refers to Direct Instruction (capital D, capital I): the Engelmann-designed, scripted, highly validated programs with decades of research behind them. These programs are precise, carefully field-tested, and engineered so that success is the default outcome. Big DI is…

Education Rickshaw | International Education Blog

14.09.2025

Why I’m Skeptical About Pre-Testing – Education Rickshaw

I was recently invited to debate the utility of “pre-testing” or pre-questions as an instructional strategy in a new webinar with my friends at InnerDrive (link here). I wish I had prepared and performed better, but it turned out to be good fun anyway. Below is the recording, as well as some lingering thoughts about…

Education Rickshaw | International Education Blog

16.09.2025

S5E02: Linda Diamond & Paige Pullen on Connecting Learning, Literacy, and Instruction – Education Rickshaw

In this powerful episode, I’m joined by two of the most influential voices in literacy education today—Linda Diamond and Paige Pullen. With decades of experience in education, Linda and Paige bring clarity to the evidence-based education movement and the science of reading in particular. Together, we dive into their framework of three interrelated sciences—Learning Science,…

home›Education Rickshaw | International Education Blog

Education Rickshaw | International Education Blog

Education & Personal Development

The Truth About Lesson Planning – Education Rickshaw

Big DI and little di – Education Rickshaw

Why I’m Skeptical About Pre-Testing – Education Rickshaw

S5E02: Linda Diamond & Paige Pullen on Connecting Learning, Literacy, and Instruction – Education Rickshaw

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Education Rickshaw | International Education Blog