Instruction is teaching or information that explains how to do something. When your teacher gives you instruction in long division, she's showing you the steps and helping you understand the process. When you read the instructions for building a model airplane, you're following a guide that tells you what to do and in what order.

Instruction can happen in many ways: a coach giving instruction on how to shoot a free throw, a parent providing instruction on riding a bike, or a manual offering instruction on setting up a new device. Good instruction breaks complex tasks into manageable steps and helps you understand both what to do and why you're doing it.

When something is instructive, it teaches you something valuable or helps you learn from an experience. A mistake can be instructive if it shows you what not to do next time.

Notice that instruction is more formal and systematic than just advice or a quick tip. Getting instruction usually means someone is deliberately teaching you a skill or explaining a process in an organized way, rather than just offering a casual suggestion.