Implications of the reciprocal teaching method to foster reading comprehension

Abstract

Reading methods or techniques should be geared to help English as a Foreign Language and English as a Second Language students efficiently, making reading a tool that provides students with a source of knowledge and skills. Thus, this exploratory research reviews several studies focusing on the implications of the role, scope, and influence of the Reciprocal Teaching Method, which is a tool for developing reading comprehension skills in English as both a foreign and a second language. The present research includes studies with qualitative, quantitative and mixed approaches, conducted in diverse educational contexts with participants of different school levels. After an exhaustive search and by definying inclusion and exclusion criteria, eighteen published studies from 2000 to 2019 were gathered. Many of the studies, in fact, have stated about the implementation of techniques and strategies through the integration of Reciprocal Teaching into reading instruction. The findings also detail teachers' and students' perceptions of the use of this method. Consequently, this research synthesis addresses the effects of using Reciprocal Teaching in the classroom and proposes suggestions for overcoming the likely challenges that may arise in the course of the process. In summary, this research was conducted with the aim of integrating relevant literature on the characteristics and appropriate use of the Reciprocal Teaching Method. In addition, this research has been complemented with conclusions and recommendations that comprise the final part of this document