Through dialogue, individuals clarify their own thoughts, explore and think out loud. The mutual exchanges of ideas enables participants to extend their own thinking beyond what they can do alone. Research shows the range of skill and cognitive growth that can be developed with peer guidance or peer collaboration exceeds what can be attained alone. Reading Circles are small, temporary , heterogeneous groups who meet regularly to read and exchange information about the text. Reading is done independently.
Time is provided for both independent reading and in-depth discussion.
Cooperative learning techniques provide positive interdependence for discussion and interaction . A facilitator guides, models, and provides a framework for the group processes. The facilitator participates as an equal member, not as a leader. The participants decide at what stages reading will be interrupted for discussion, what topics, questions, and words will be discussed, and how to share what they have learned. Summarizer - overviews passages, key points, and transitions from previous group meetings to current discussion.