New York State Teacher Certification Examinations (NYSTCE) Early Childhood Practice Test

What type of instruction is carefully designed and follows a sequence for language and reading acquisition?

1. Explicit Instruction

2. Systematic Instruction

3. Implicit Instruction

4. Constructivist Instruction

The correct answer is: Systematic Instruction

The correct answer is Systematic Instruction. This type of instruction is characterized by a structured, organized approach that follows a defined sequence to effectively teach skills, particularly in language and reading acquisition. Systematic instruction involves breaking down the learning process into manageable steps, ensuring that each skill builds upon the previous one. This method helps children make connections between concepts and phenomena in a logical manner, contributing to more robust language and reading comprehension. Furthermore, systematic instruction often incorporates various teaching methods, including modeling, guided practice, and independent practice, all tailored to the learners’ needs. This approach is particularly beneficial for early childhood educators as it provides clarity and consistency, which are essential for young learners as they acquire language skills. While explicit instruction, which closely relates to systematic instruction, emphasizes clear teaching and direct instruction of skills, it lacks the broader sequence element that systematic instruction embodies. Implicit instruction relies more on natural exposure to language and reading practices, allowing learners to infer concepts, which can be less effective for early learners who may need more guidance. Constructivist instruction focuses on learners constructing knowledge through experiences, which may not provide the structured sequence necessary for developing language and reading skills in early childhood.