What is the primary function of reciprocal teaching?

Reciprocal teaching is an instructional strategy primarily focused on fostering student engagement in the learning process by encouraging them to take on the role of the teacher. This method involves students working in small groups where they practice four key strategies: predicting, questioning, clarifying, and summarizing. By guiding their peers through discussions and collaboratively working on texts, students enhance their understanding through articulation of their thoughts and the facilitation of dialogue among group members.

This approach empowers students to monitor and direct their own learning while simultaneously developing their comprehension skills. As students take turns leading discussions and teaching their peers, they not only reinforce their own learning but also build essential communication and critical thinking skills. Thus, the primary function of reciprocal teaching is to enable students to become the teacher, fostering a deeper understanding and mastery of the material.