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Math 3-6 > Strategies > Think-Pair-Share

Think-Pair-Share

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Overview

Students deepen their math understanding as they use and hear others use specific math language in informal ways. When learners think about a problem or worked example then discuss their thoughts with a partner before sharing with the larger group, everyone participates and practices their skills.

Use It in the Classroom

Watch how a teacher encourages think-pair-share with her class and applies it to a math problem. By having individual think time and an informal discussion with their peers, students are more equipped to process questions and answers meaningfully.

  • Using this process in whole-class discussions allows learners with varying Speeds of Processing to collect their thoughts before participating. Additionally, exploring worked examples, such as conducting an error analysis, with a partner helps develop Mathematical Flexibility and Self-regulation skills as each student considers and responds to the other point of view.

    • Design It into Your Product

    Videos are chosen as examples of strategies in action. These choices are not endorsements of the products or evidence of use of research to develop the feature.

    Watch how Class Dojo builds think-pair-share into its classroom communication platform. From 16:58, see how it enables teachers to create prompts for students to engage in Math Communication with their partners.

  • Providing support that encourages increased participation is especially important in building learners' confidence for sharing ideas and practicing Social Awareness & Relationship Skills. A developer can create prompts and spaces for structured partner/small group discussions so students have the opportunity to think, try, and workshop their ideas in a low-stakes environment.
    • View References

    Resources

    Below are additional examples, research, and professional development. These resources are possible representations of this strategy, not endorsements.
    Examples

    Developing Behaviors for Cooperative Learning

    Module by Sanford Inspire

    Examples

    Think-Pair-Share Article

    Summary of think-pair-share with concrete examples for implementation

    Examples

    Think-Pair-Share Lesson Plan

    Lesson plan for different grade levels of math

    Examples

    Think-Pair-Share Video

    Tips for implementing think-pair-share from a teacher

    Research

    Feedback & Peer Assessment

    Subtopic that explores research on the effects of quality, type, and source of feedback on student learning on Digital Promise's Research Map

    Research

    Language, Space & Time

    Subtopic that explores how language can shape our perception and representation of abstract concepts on Digital Promise's Research Map

    Research

    Learning Communities

    Subtopic that includes research on communities of learners on Digital Promise's Research Map

    Research

    Pair and Share

    Research on think-pair-share with varying implementation tips

    Factors Supported by this Strategy

    Mathematics
    Arithmetic Fact Retrieval
    Math Communication
    Mathematical Flexibility
    Operations
    Cognition
    Attention
    Inhibition
    Long-term Memory
    Metacognition
    Short-term Memory
    Speed of Processing
    Working Memory
    Social and Emotional Learning
    Emotion
    Motivation
    Self-regulation
    Social Awareness & Relationship Skills
    Student Background
    Adverse Experiences
    Math Learning Environment
    Physical Well-being
    Safety
    Sleep
    Social Supports
    Socioeconomic Status

    More Cooperative Learning Strategies

    Collaborative Problem Solving

    As students solve problems in a group, they learn new strategies and practice communicating their mathematical thinking.

    Gallery Walk

    As students walk through stations working in small groups, the social and physical nature of the learning supports deeper understanding.

    Jigsaw

    As students work with and process information by discussing, organizing, and sharing it together, they deepen their understanding.

    Math Talks

    When students have meaningful conversations about math and use math vocabulary, they develop the thinking, questioning, and explanation skills needed to master mathematical concepts.

    Peer Teaching

    Having students teach their knowledge, skills, and understanding to their classmates strengthens learning.

    Reciprocal Teaching

    Students deepen their understanding and gain confidence in their learning when they explain to and receive feedback from others.

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