What does reciprocal teaching involve in a literacy context?

Reciprocal teaching is an interactive instructional practice that emphasizes collaboration and student engagement in the learning process, particularly in the context of literacy. It involves a structured dialogue where students take turns leading discussions about a text, which fosters a deeper understanding through peer teaching and shared inquiry. This technique typically encompasses four strategies: predicting, questioning, clarifying, and summarizing, which students utilize as they guide discussions.

As students lead discussions, they enhance their comprehension skills by engaging with the text and each other. This collaborative approach not only builds confidence in their literacy abilities but also encourages critical thinking and metacognitive awareness, as they reflect on their understanding and that of their peers. By sharing the responsibility of discussion leadership, students become more invested in their learning, making reciprocal teaching an effective method for promoting literacy skills.