“My students take turns reading paragraphs aloud. When each one finishes, I ask them questions or ask them to explain what the book said. I like this strategy because the students are attentive. I find that when I have them read the book silently, they don’t get it.” 

Does that scene sound familiar? If so, you’ve likely used the instructional strategy known as Round Robin Reading or Popcorn Reading. What implications do these strategies have on student success? Here’s what the research states and some alternate strategies to help students reach their greatest potential as readers far beyond our classrooms. 

What the Research Says

As students, we likely experienced Round Robin Reading. Some of us never actually attended to what their peers were reading - instead we were reading ahead to ensure we knew what we were about to read so we wouldn't embarrass ourselves in front of the other students in our class or group. Students need to begin developing the ability to read the majority of their texts silently and monitor their understanding. Round Robin reading also hinders a student’s ability to become a fluent reader and may have just the opposite effect. It causes readers to slow down their silent reading in order to keep pace with the oral reader who is reading at a markedly slower pace. 

Alternatives to Round Robin Reading 

Having students independently whisper read allows the teacher to prompt, support and provide timely feedback. Specific feedback that addresses the specific teaching points that the teacher was able to notice will help each student reach their full potential. Having the students read independently at their own pace also increases the amount of volume each student is reading within the group. Lastly, in the real world, round robin reading is rarely used. The main goal for reading is to make meaning of the text and round robin reading doesn’t support that goal. 

Click HERE to learn more about Alternatives to Round Robin/Popcorn Reading. 

The Enhancing Excellence in Teaching Program (EETP) is a forgivable loan program designed to provide support for current educators pursuing master’s degrees or endorsements in shortage areas across the state of Nebraska. The 2022-2023 EETP application is available on the EETP website until May 2, 2022. The 2022-23 EETP funds are for classes that begin July 1, 2022 through June 30, 2023. Click here for more details.