Think-Pair-Share is a collaborative learning strategy that promotes active engagement, deeper understanding, and improved communication among students. It involves a three-step process: Think: Students individually consider a question or prompt posed by the teacher. Pair: Students pair up with a classmate to discuss their ideas and perspectives. Share: Pairs share their conclusions with the whole class, fostering a collective understanding.
Materials:
- Whiteboard or projector
- Markers or pens
- Handouts (if applicable)
Procedure:
- Present the Question or Prompt (2-3 minutes):
- Clearly state the question or prompt for students to consider.
- Ensure it is open-ended and encourages critical thinking.
- Think Phase (3-5 minutes):
- Allow students a few minutes to silently ponder the question or prompt. This individual reflection time helps them formulate their initial thoughts.
- Pair Phase (10-15 minutes):
- Divide students into pairs.
- Encourage them to discuss their ideas, clarify concepts, and build upon each other’s understanding.
- Share Phase (15-20 minutes):
- Bring the class back together for a whole-group discussion. Invite pairs to share their conclusions, fostering a collective understanding of the topic.
Differentiation:
- Scaffolding: Provide sentence starters, graphic organizers, or key vocabulary lists for students who need additional support.
- Tiered Questions: Offer different levels of complexity in the Think phase based on student abilities.
- Multiple Choice Think: Provide multiple choice options for the Think phase to allow students with diverse learning styles to engage.
- Choice in Pairing: Allow students to choose their partners or group size based on their preferences and learning needs.
Technology Integration:
- Online Polls or Quizzes: Use platforms like Kahoot! or Quizizz for the Think phase to gauge understanding and spark discussion.
- Mind Mapping Tools: Utilize apps like Miro or Coggle for collaborative brainstorming and knowledge organization during the Pair phase.
- Digital Whiteboards: Share student ideas and contributions in real-time using platforms like Jamboard or Mural for the Share phase.
