Reciprocal Teaching: PALS
Overview
Students deepen their understanding and gain confidence in their learning when they explain to and receive feedback from others. Through Peer-Assisted Learning Strategies (PALS), a format of reciprocal teaching that research has shown to be effective for mathematical development, students work with a partner and take on the roles of coach and player to practice math skills.
Example: Use This Strategy in the Classroom
Watch how these fifth graders use reciprocal teaching to solve word problems. By following the structured process, they discuss deeply their mathematical thinking, supporting increased Mathematical Flexibility and Language Skills.
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Additional Resources
Additional examples, research, and professional development. These resources are possible representations of this strategy, not endorsements.
Factors Supported by this Strategy
More Cooperative Learning Strategies
As students solve problems in a group, they learn new strategies and practice communicating their mathematical thinking.
Flexible grouping is a classroom practice that temporarily places students together in given groups to work together, with the purpose of achieving a given learning goal or activity.
As students walk through stations working in small groups, the social and physical nature of the learning supports deeper understanding.
Teaching students through guided play encourages them to take an active role in their learning and supports the development of a broad array of cognitive skills.
To promote acceptance of learning diversity, students explore learning tools and strategies to see how they work and why they and others might use them.
When students have meaningful conversations about math and use math vocabulary, they develop the thinking, questioning, and explanation skills needed to master mathematical concepts.
Respectful redirection, or error correction, outlines a clear and concise way that educators can provide feedback on behaviors that need immediate correction, in a positive manner.
Students develop their skills by listening to and speaking with others in informal ways.
