ABSTRACT : Explicit instruction, characterized by structured, systematic, and direct teaching strategies, has been widely recognized as an effective approach to supporting skill acquisition and learner mastery. By breaking down tasks into manageable steps, modeling desired skills, and providing guided practice with immediate feedback, explicit instruction ensures that students receive clear and focused learning experiences. In the teaching of basic folk dance movements, this approach can potentially address common learning barriers, enhance precision in execution, and build learner confidence. This study aimed to assess the explicit instruction in teaching common dance steps in folk dance in MAPEH grade 8 in Don Sergio Osmeña Sr. Memorial National High School. This study used a quantitative research approach, employing a descriptive survey research method to investigate the effectiveness of explicit instruction strategy and qualitative research study seeks to provide valuable insights into the efficacy of explicit instruction strategy in teaching common dance steps in folkdance to Grade 8 students. The participants in this study were Grade 8 students comprising 30 males and 46 females. The findings of the study revealed a significant improvement in learners’ performance in folk dance after the implementation of explicit instructional strategies. During the pre- test, the average performance of students was rated as ―Poor‖ (mean = 1.43), with only the “Slide” movement reaching a ―Fair‖ level. However, post-test results showed a dramatic improvement, with the overall average rising to 3.86, placing all dance components in the ―Excellent‖ category. Additionally, student reflections highlighted two main themes: improved understanding of dance steps and increased confidence in performing. Based on these findings, it is concluded that explicit instruction—characterized by breaking down complex tasks, providing real- time feedback, and allowing for repetitive, guided practice—significantly enhances learners’ skills, comprehension, and confidence in folk dance. In light of the results, it is recommended that educators continue to adopt explicit instructional approaches in teaching folk dance and similar performance-based subjects.
KEYWORDS – Explicit Instruction, Dance Steps, Folkdance, MAPEH, Enhance Lesson Guide