Specially Designed Academic Instruction in English (SDAIE) is a teaching style with these features:

Low Affective Filter

• error correction done in context through teacher modeling
• new information introduced and presented by the teacher in a way that engages student

Modified Speech

• slower speech rate
• clear enunciation
• controlled vocabulary
• use of cognates
• limited use of idiomatic speech
• words with double meaning defined

Contextual Clues

• gestures and facial expressions
• meaning acted out
• graphic organizers (maps, charts, graphs)
• realia, props and manipulatives
• word banks
• overhead transparencies and similar projection technologies
• bulletin boards
• audio-visual materials
• explanation of word origins (etymology)
• use of examples and analogies
• hands on activities and demonstrations

Comprehension Checks

Formative Assessment

• confirmation checks
• clarification requests
• repetitions
• expansions
• variety of question types
• interaction: teacher: student student:teacher

Summative Assessment

• mastery assessed using a variety of modalities
• review of main topics and key vocabulary
• resulting product showse mastery of key concepts an synthesis of information
• written assessment appropriate for intermediate/ early advanced English language learners

Appropriate Lesson Design

• student fluency level is reflected
• evidence of scaffolding
• listening and speaking activities precede reading and writing activities
• reading assignments include prereading, during reading, postreading activities
• writing activities preceded by pre-writing
• vocabulary emphasis
• use of cooperative learning groups
• tapping prior knowledge/ personal application
• appropriate pacing
• modeling of activities
• specific learning strategies or study skills are taught and modeled
• evidence of text adaptation
• emphasis on higher order critical thinking skills
• provision of native language support
• extension/ debriefing activity included

Content Driven

• rigorous core curriculum (not 'watered down')
• key topics organized aournd main themes
• topics appropriate to grade level

see also education