As stated in Chapter 6 of our text, reciprocal teaching is an instructional approach for teaching students cognitive strategies to improve reading comprehension. This model of teaching is based heavily on the social learning theories of Lev Vygotsky and Albert Bandura who emphasize the importance of teacher-student interactions in the learning process. One of the Common Core English Language Arts College and Career Readiness Anchor Standards for Reading states the following:
“Read closely to determine what the text says explicitly and to make logical inferences from it; cite specific textual evidence when writing or speaking to support conclusions drawn from the text.”
For this discussion:
- Read the Closing in on close reading article about this idea of “close reading” as part of the CCSS initiative.
- Watch the video Watch & learn: text comprehension and discuss how the students assume responsibility for helping one another learn.
- Finally, explain how reciprocal teaching helps students comprehend what they read more deeply and how it also reflects this idea of “close reading” as described by the Common Core Standard. Which educational psychology theory or theories does reciprocal teaching employ?