What is reciprocal teaching?

Reciprocal teaching is a collaborative learning strategy that significantly enhances students' comprehension skills through interaction and discussion. In this approach, students work in small groups where they alternate roles in leading discussions about a particular text. Each student takes a turn guiding the conversation, which encourages them to engage deeply with the material. This method typically involves four key strategies: summarizing, questioning, clarifying, and predicting, all of which are crucial for understanding and analyzing texts effectively. By facilitating such discussions, reciprocal teaching empowers students to take ownership of their learning and develop critical thinking skills, making it a highly effective instructional strategy.