Direct instruction is a widely used and effective instructional strategy that is strongly supported by research. In direct instruction, the teacher

models an interaction with the subject, demonstrates an approach to an issue, or shows example solutions to problems,
provides opportunities for guided practice, often assigning small group work in class with an emphasis on constructive feedback, and
assigns independent practice with an emphasis on mastery learning.
Lecture can help students organize extensive readings, but it should not be used to simply duplicate those readings. Because learning results from what students do, lectures should be crafted so that students are intentionally active as much as is reasonable. Direct instruction can be easily combined with other teaching methods and can be transferred to online teaching by using videos for the modeling stage and discussion groups for the guided practice stage.