Think-Pair-Share

Overview

Students develop reading skills by listening to and speaking with others in informal ways. When learners think about a question 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 this Reading Rockets video of a second grade teacher reviewing think-pair-share with her class and applying it to a read-aloud. By having individual think time, students are more equipped to process and answer questions meaningfully. They are also held accountable for maintaining their Attention with a peer, which contributes to a more fruitful discussion.

Using this process in book discussions allows learners with varying Speeds of Processing to collect their thoughts before participating. Additionally, listening and sharing ideas with a partner helps develop communication skills and offers practice in Self-Regulation when considering another point of view.

Design It into Your Product

Providing support that encourages increased participation is especially important in building learners' confidence for sharing ideas. A teacher or developer can create prompts or 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 with examples for implementing it in the classroom

Examples

Think-Pair-Share Strategy Guide

Guide and sample lesson plans

Examples

Think-Pair-Share Video

Tips for implementing think-pair-share from a teacher

Examples

Thinking Routine

Think-pair-share to promote active reasoning and explanation

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

Factors Supported by this Strategy

Language and Literacy

Morphological Awareness

Syntax

Verbal Reasoning

Cognition

Student Background

Home Literacy Environment

More Cooperative Learning Strategies

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.

Learning Strategy & Tool "Fair"

To promote acceptance of learning diversity, students explore learning tools and strategies to see how they work and why they and others might use them.

Reciprocal Teaching

When students explain to others, they deepen their understanding and gain confidence in their learning.

Reading PK-3

Think-Pair-Share

Overview

Use It in the Classroom

Design It into Your Product

Resources

Factors Supported by this Strategy

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