Math 3-6

Reciprocal Teaching

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Overview

Students deepen their understanding and gain confidence in their learning when they explain to and receive feedback from others. Research has shown that students can develop their math skills and their Social Awareness & Relationship Skills by taking on the roles of coach and player as they explore math concepts and problems with a partner.

Use It in the Classroom

Watch how these fifth graders use reciprocal teaching to solve word problems. By following the structured process, they build their Mathematical Flexibility and Math Communication.

  • Teachers can provide structured stages (e.g., Peer-Assisted Learning Strategies or PALS) to support students teaching each other. Teachers can also add specific steps to support comprehending and solving math word problems, such as predicting, clarifying, questioning, visualising, connecting, calculating and summarizing. Working with a partner through these stages also offers support for a student's Speed of Processing and Working Memory and developing math vocabulary and reading comprehension.

    • Design It into Your Product

  • Digital tools can provide more reciprocal teachers and learners for students beyond their classroom walls. Digital products can also provide tools for helping students learn how to generate strong questions and to reflect on their experiences with reciprocal teaching.
    • View References

    Resources

    Below are additional examples, research, and professional development. These resources are possible representations of this strategy, not endorsements.

    Developing Behaviors for Cooperative Learning

    Module by Sanford Inspire

    Feedback & Peer Assessment

    Subtopic that explores research on the effects of quality, type, and source of feedback on student learning on Digital Promise's Research Map

    Flexible Daily Small Group Instruction

    Resource on The Learning Accelerator

    Learning Communities

    Subtopic that includes research on communities of learners on Digital Promise's Research Map

    Motivation & Autonomy

    Subtopic that explores how and why students are motivated to learn on Digital Promise's Research Map

    PALS Brief

    Detailed description of PALS with important considerations for teachers

    Reciprocal Teaching Prezi

    Presentation about reciprocal teaching including history, research, and strategies

    Video of Practical Tips

    Overview of how to implement reciprocal teaching

    Word Problems with Reciprocal Teaching

    Example of a peer-assisted process for solving word problems

    Factors Supported by this Strategy

    Mathematics
    Arithmetic Fact Retrieval
    Math Communication
    Mathematical Flexibility
    Operations
    Cognition
    Attention
    Inhibition
    Long-term Memory
    Metacognition
    Short-term Memory
    Speed of Processing
    Working Memory
    Social and Emotional Learning
    Emotion
    Motivation
    Self-regulation
    Social Awareness & Relationship Skills
    Student Background
    Adverse Experiences
    Math Learning Environment
    Physical Well-being
    Safety
    Sleep
    Social Supports

    More Cooperative Learning Strategies

    Collaborative Problem Solving

    As students solve problems in a group, they learn new strategies and practice communicating their mathematical thinking.

    Gallery Walk

    As students walk through stations working in small groups, the social and physical nature of the learning supports deeper understanding.

    Jigsaw

    As students work with and process information by discussing, organizing, and sharing it together, they deepen their understanding.

    Math Talks

    When students have meaningful conversations about math and use math vocabulary, they develop the thinking, questioning, and explanation skills needed to master mathematical concepts.

    Peer Teaching

    Having students teach their knowledge, skills, and understanding to their classmates strengthens learning.

    Think-Pair-Share

    Students deepen their math understanding as they use and hear others use specific math language in informal ways.

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