As an educator, one of the main goals is to help students understand and retain information presented in class. However, students can struggle with comprehension, particularly when it comes to complex texts or materials. Retelling is an effective technique that teachers can use to improve student comprehension. This article will explore the concept of retelling, its benefits, and techniques for implementing it in the classroom.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
What is Retelling?
Retelling is a technique where students summarize what they have learned in their own words. It can be done orally, in writing, or through other forms of expression, such as drawing or acting. Retelling can be used with any type of text or material, including stories, articles, and lectures.
Retelling has several benefits for students. First, it requires students to process information and identify key points, which helps to improve their comprehension. Second, it allows students to practice their communication skills, as they must articulate their understanding in a clear and concise manner. Finally, it helps to reinforce memory retention, as students must recall information from memory to complete the retelling.
Techniques for Implementing Retelling
There are several techniques that teachers can use to implement retelling in their classrooms. These techniques can be modified to suit the needs of different age groups and subject areas.
1. Read Aloud and Retell
The Read Aloud and Retell technique involves the teacher reading a passage aloud, and then asking students to retell the main ideas in their own words. This technique can be used with any type of text, including picture books, novels, and nonfiction texts. It is particularly effective for younger students, as it helps to improve their listening skills and attention span.
2. Think-Pair-Share
Think-Pair-Share is a cooperative learning technique that can be used to promote discussion and peer-to-peer learning. In this technique, students are given a passage to read, and then asked to think about the main ideas. They are then paired with another student to discuss their thoughts and ideas. Finally, pairs share their ideas with the rest of the class. This technique helps to improve student comprehension and communication skills, as students must articulate their thoughts and ideas to their peers.
3. Graphic Organizers
Graphic organizers are visual tools that help students to organize and summarize information. They can be used to support retelling, as students can use them to identify key ideas and organize their thoughts. Examples of graphic organizers include Venn diagrams, concept maps, and story maps. Graphic organizers are particularly effective for visual learners and can be used with any type of text or material.
4. Reader’s Theater
Reader’s Theater is a technique that involves students acting out a story or play. Students are assigned roles and must read the text aloud in front of the class. This technique helps to improve student comprehension and communication skills, as students must read and understand the text in order to perform it. It also helps to promote engagement and enthusiasm, as students enjoy the opportunity to act out the story.
Best Practices for Implementing Retelling
While retelling can be a valuable technique, there are certain best practices that teachers should follow to ensure that it is implemented effectively in their classrooms.
1. Provide Clear Guidelines
To ensure that students are retelling effectively, it is important to provide clear guidelines for the process. Teachers should explain the purpose of retelling, what is expected of students, and how the retelling will be evaluated. This will help students to understand the process and feel more confident in their ability to retell.
2. Use a Variety of Texts and Materials
Retelling can be used with any type of text or material, from picture books to complex scientific articles. Teachers should vary the texts and materials used in retelling exercises to keep students engaged and interested. This will also help to expose students to a wider range of topics and genres.
3. Differentiate for Student Needs
Not all students will have the same level of comprehension or communication skills. Teachers should differentiate retelling activities to suit the needs of individual students. For example, some students may benefit from extra scaffolding or visual aids, while others may benefit from more challenging texts.
4. Provide Feedback and Support
To help students improve their retelling skills, it is important to provide feedback and support. Teachers should provide constructive feedback on student retellings, highlighting areas of strength and areas for improvement. They should also provide support for students who are struggling, offering additional guidance or resources as needed.
5. Make Retelling a Regular Practice
To ensure that retelling is effective, it should be used regularly in the classroom. Teachers should incorporate retelling into their lesson plans on a consistent basis, using a variety of techniques to keep students engaged and interested.
Research on Retelling
Retelling has been studied extensively in the field of education, and research has shown that it is a highly effective technique for improving student comprehension.
One study conducted by Cohen and colleagues (2005) found that retelling significantly improved student comprehension of science texts. The study also found that students who engaged in retelling had better recall of information and were able to transfer their knowledge to new contexts.
Another study by Kuhn and Stahl (2003) found that retelling improved student comprehension of expository texts. The study found that students who engaged in retelling were able to identify and recall more key ideas than students who did not engage in the retelling.
A meta-analysis conducted by Rosenshine and Meister (1994) found that retelling was one of the most effective strategies for improving student comprehension. The analysis found that retelling had a moderate to large effect size, indicating that it was a highly effective technique.
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, the retelling is a powerful technique that can help teachers to improve student comprehension and retention of information. By using a variety of techniques, such as Read Aloud and Retell, Think-Pair-Share, Graphic Organizers, and Reader’s Theater, teachers can help students to develop their communication skills, deepen their understanding of complex texts, and reinforce their memory retention.
To implement retelling effectively in the classroom, teachers should provide clear guidelines, use a variety of texts and materials, differentiate for student needs, provide feedback and support, and make retelling a regular practice. Additionally, research has shown that retelling is a highly effective technique for improving student comprehension and that it can be used with a wide variety of texts and materials.
Overall, the retelling is a valuable tool that can help educators to enhance student learning outcomes and promote active engagement in the classroom. By incorporating retelling into their lesson plans, teachers can help students to develop the skills and knowledge needed for academic success.