What is reciprocal teaching?

Reciprocal teaching is an instructional approach that emphasizes collaboration and student engagement in the learning process, particularly in reading comprehension. In this method, students take on leadership roles and are involved in discussions about the text. The core aim is to enhance their understanding and make connections to the material. Guided by the teacher initially, students gradually learn to ask questions, summarize information, clarify meanings, and make predictions about the text, all of which promote deeper comprehension.

This strategy contrasts sharply with a teacher-led model where discussions are dominated by the instructor, or with methods focused solely on silent reading, which do not foster interactive dialogue or critical thinking. Similarly, reciprocal teaching encourages peer interaction and collaborative learning, rather than discouraging it, allowing students to learn from one another and engage actively in their learning journey.