Siegfried "Zig" Engelmann Videos
Below are a variety of videos featuring DI founder Siegfried “Zig” Engelmann.
Want to learn more about Zig? Check out Zigsite.com. Zig developed his own site where you will find videos, papers, stories about his life, images of his watercolor paintings, and much more!
The History of DI
- Siegfried Engelmann Teaching His 4-Year-Old Twin Sons
- The Genius of Zig Engelmann: A Biography
- 1966 Film of Preschool Students Demonstrate Exceptional Math Skills
- 21st Century with Walter Cronkite
- Conversation with Seigfried “Zig” Engelmann – Interview with Geoff Colvin
Zig Videos
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Siegfried Englemann Teaching His 4-Year-Old Twin Sons
The Genius of Zig Engelmann: A Biography
1966 Film of Preschool Students Demonstrate Exceptional Math Skills
Direct Instruction got its start at the University of Illinois when Siegfried “Zig” Engelmann — creator of Direct Instruction and Senior Author of the DI programs — debuted DI, teaching at-risk preschoolers at the Institute for Research on Exceptional Children. Students in the preschool learned remarkable skills, including addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, basic algebra, fractions, and how to solve area problems. These students, some of whom attended the preschool for two years and others for one year, are shown demonstrating their skills.
The National Institute for Direct Instruction has developed a free downloadable guide for the video. The guide is designed to help viewers identify (and leaders to facilitate conversations on) key aspects of DI presented in the video, including: the children’s knowledge of specific mathematics concepts, rules, and processes; the students’ ability to solve a wide range of mathematical problems; the self-confidence and independence demonstrated by the students; and, the children’s ability to focus their attention for long periods of time.
DI segment begins at 9:45
Conversation with Siegfried “Zig” Engelmann
Zig’s long-time friend and colleague, Geoff Colvin, asks Siegfried “Zig” Engelmann questions about episodes in Zig’s 45-year career in education. Zig’s responses are frank, sometimes poignant, sometimes funny, and often entertaining. The conversation was filmed before an audience at the 2008 annual Direct Instruction Conference in Eugene, Oregon.
Siegfried "Zig" Engelmann on Instruction
There are many opinions and perceptions surrounding Direct Instruction. Some relate to structure, others to content, and still others to appropriateness for various populations of learners.
In 2017, we sat down with Siegfried “Zig” Engelmann to get his take on these issues. In the following video segments, you will hear Zig’s thoughts on everything from “Drill and Kill” to multi-sensory learning to teachers’ creativity in a DI classroom.
Zig on Instruction
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Siegfried Engelmann explains the power of DI for ALL learners, not just those at risk. He also discusses one of his most impactful creations, Teach Your Child to Read in 100 Easy Lessons, a program used by nearly a million families and known for its incredible results.
Siegfried Engelmann on Individual Learning Styles
Siegfried Engelmann challenges the popular idea of individual learning styles: visual, auditory, or kinesthetic. He argues that these categories are based on preference, not evidence. Decades of research attempting to design programs for specific “learning styles” have failed, while well-designed instruction has consistently proven effective for all learners. Engelmann explains that reading, by necessity, is a visual process that also requires understanding auditory relationships between symbols and sounds. The real issue isn’t matching instruction to supposed learner types but using programs like Direct Instruction that are empirically validated and effective across students.
Siegfried Engelmann on the Role of Rote Learning
Siegfried Engelmann explains that some knowledge is inherently rote, like numbers and their properties, and must be learned accurately to prevent foundational errors. Using fractions as an example, he warns that poor instruction can lead to lasting misconceptions, such as believing all fractions are less than one.
He highlights his project, where preschool children from disadvantaged communities demonstrate a strong understanding of fractions, including those greater than one. Engelmann’s message is clear: rote content should be taught with fidelity, carefully sequenced and focused on essential features, so students truly learn what they need to know.
Siegfried Engelmann explains why students thrive when they’re placed in groups where everyone is learning at a similar level. When students experience success, have fun, and see evidence of their own learning, they build confidence regardless of how groups are organized across a classroom.
Engelmann reminds us that children understand differences in ability, but what truly matters is feeling successful, supported, and smart in their own learning environment. When teachers reinforce that success, students believe it.
Watch as Engelmann shares a powerful story that challenges common misconceptions about grouping and highlights why effective instructional design matters.
Siegfried Engelmann on Individualizing Instruction
Siegfried Engelmann explains why truly “individualized” instruction in early grades is unrealistic and how effective teaching instead treats time as a precious resource. By grouping strategically, monitoring individual progress, and teaching to mastery, we can do the best for the most every minute the clock ticks.
National DI Conference Opening Keynotes
Watch Zig’s Opening Keynotes from past Direct Instruction Conferences.
Zig Keynotes
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44th National Direct Instruction Conference and Institutes (2018)
Siegfried Engelmann & Anita Archer Opening Keynotes
43rd National Direct Instruction Conference and Institutes (2017)
Siegfried Engelmann & Robert Pondiscio Opening Keynotes
42nd National Direct Instruction Conference and Institutes (2016)
Siegfried Engelmann Opening Keynote
40th National Direct Instruction Conference and Institutes (2014)
Siegfried Engelmann and Laura Doherty Opening Keynotes
39th National Direct Instruction Conference and Institutes (2013)
Siegfried Engelmann Opening Keynote
Selected Writings Discussion
In this series, Siegfried Engelmann and interviewer Evan Haney discuss the essays contained in the book Engelmann’s Direct Instruction: Selected Writings from the Past Half Century.
Videos cover:
- Section 1: Theoretical Understandings of Learning and Instruction
- Section 2: Developing Effective Curricular Material
- Section 3: Promoting Reform and Change in Education
- Section 4: Responding to Criticisms and Roadblocks
Selected Writings
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Engelmann’s DI: Selected Writings from the Past Half Century
Observations on Section 1: Theoretical Understandings of Learning and Instruction
Engelmann’s DI: Selected Writings from the Past Half Century
Observations on Section 2: Developing Effective Curricular Material
Engelmann’s DI: Selected Writings from the Past Half Century
Observations on Section 3: Promoting Reform and Change in Education