What is the purpose of a "think-aloud" strategy?

The purpose of a "think-aloud" strategy is to model thought processes during reading. This approach involves verbalizing thoughts while engaging with text, allowing students to see how a proficient reader thinks through various aspects of reading, such as making predictions, questioning, clarifying, and summarizing. By hearing the teacher vocalize their thinking, students can better understand the strategies they can use to comprehend the material themselves. This practice not only aids in developing metacognitive skills but also encourages students to reflect on their own thinking when they read.

Options that focus solely on assessing metacognitive skills or limiting interaction do not capture the broader educational benefit of fostering a deeper understanding of the reading process through modeling. Encouraging silent reading does not align with the think-aloud strategy's interactive nature, which emphasizes engagement and dialogue about the thinking that underlies successful reading comprehension.