Instruction that starts with the parts and builds to the whole is known as what?

The concept of instruction that begins with the parts and gradually builds toward the whole is known as synthetic instruction. Synthetic instruction emphasizes the teaching of individual components or skills before combining them into a complete understanding or application. For instance, in the context of language learning, synthetic instruction might involve teaching phonemes or letters first, then blending them to form words and eventually constructing sentences.

Understanding this approach is crucial, especially in educational methodologies like Multi-Sensory Structured Language Education, where breaking down language elements helps students grasp complex concepts through incremental learning. This method caters to the logical progression of skills and knowledge, providing a clear pathway for learners to develop their abilities effectively.

Other instructional methods, such as analytic instruction, focus on understanding whole units or texts before analyzing their components, which contrasts with the synthetic approach. Sequential instruction refers to the planned order in which content is taught but does not specifically emphasize starting with parts. Holistic instruction emphasizes seeing the whole before focusing on parts. Thus, synthetic instruction stands out as uniquely starting with the individual elements before constructing the complete understanding, aligning perfectly with the question's query.