Description: Reciprocal Teaching allows students to work together and “teach” each other as they assume responsibility for the discussion. When using this strategy, teachers’ model the use of four comprehension activities – generating questions, summarizing, predicting, and clarifying – while leading a dialogue. Students then assume the role of teacher.
Step-by-Step
- Explain to students the concept of reciprocal teaching-that we learn best what we have to teach others.
- Create appropriate questions related to the text.
- Follow steps of DR-TA.
- Gradually decrease teacher support allowing students to increase their participation. Ask for “teacher” volunteers to lead subsequent discussions.
- Monitor and refocus the instruction as needed.
Extensions
- Use discussion, quizzes, and observation to determine if material is understood. Observation should include monitoring the involvement of individual students and their responses. Use this to determine students’ levels of comprehension.
- Use the jigsaw strategy and have groups use reciprocal teaching to share information.
http://www.readingrockets.org/strategies/reciprocal_teaching/
http://www.readingrockets.org/content/pdfs/reciprocalteaching_bookmark.pdf