The think-aloud strategy is just what it sounds like: being aware of your thought process and speaking that process out loud. Think of it as a way to show what you are thinking, step by step, by modeling the construction of your ideas. As teachers, we use this strategy often as we teach. When we model our lessons, we are asking questions, considering various answers and responses, and more.

Why is it important?

Many people (and probably a large majority of our students!) are concerned only with the end: the solution to a math problem, the final chapter in a novel, etc. We want our children to develop a deeper level of understanding. How did we reach that mathematical conclusion? Why did the protagonist defeat the antagonist in that way? We can all give answers, but we need to develop the ability to articulate the detailed steps we took to arrive at those answers.

Think alouds are also a great way to assess if your students are understanding the material. If they are able to explain how they reached their answer, then you know they wholly understand what you are teaching, rather than just taking a guess.

Across content areas

Think alouds are used largely with reading comprehension, but can, and should, be applied to every subject. The following list offers general guidelines for how the think-aloud strategy can be implemented within each content area.

Reading:

• Make predictions.
• Ask questions throughout about the author’s choices, the text structure and the use of context clues.
• Make connections within the novel and to the outside world.
• Reflect on characters’ actions and choices throughout.
• Analyze the author’s point of view.

Writing:

• Brainstorm ideas and use graphic organizers.
• Revise and discuss why changes should be made.
• Think about your audience. Who is reading your work and what will they want to “hear”?

Math:

• Think about how solutions are formulated.
• Think about new processes and strategies.

Social studies:

• Think about timelines and sequences of events.
• Think about opinions, including reasons and details.

Science:

• Think about the scientific process.
• Reflect on solutions.

How to implement

Model, model, model! As you teach your lesson, show your class exactly what you expect them to do by doing it yourself. For example, while reading, stop at certain points to predict or ask questions. When showing a new math concept, give details as you provide an example.

Once you have successfully modeled the strategy, give your students time to practice. Students should practice the think-aloud strategy in a small group as well as with partners. Allow students the opportunity to explain their thoughts to others. They will soon develop the ability to explain their own thinking by sharing with their peers. Once you feel they have an understanding of what is expected, try independent work and closely monitor them. If students are still struggling with a concept, try modeling it again in a different way.

Differentiation

No student is too young or too old to use the think-aloud strategy. Children as young as preschool have the ability to explain their actions. The idea of detailing your thought process out loud should be a standard form of learning so that as children go through school, they are truly understanding the material that we teach them. Simply adjust your level of expectations with each age group and individual learning level.

Students with special needs can benefit from the think- aloud strategy, too. Not only will it help them gain a deeper level of understanding but it will also give them the opportunity to focus on a particular task. Providing a guideline (such as a list of questions to “think” out loud) will assist pupils who may have difficulty with this concept.

Lasting benefits

Metacognition means being aware of one’s own knowledge. By using the think aloud strategy, our students will develop the ability to understand and control their own thought processes. This furthers our goal as teachers for children to become lifelong learners and to learn to think on a more profound level.