What is Think-Pair-Share in Active Learning?

Think-Pair-Share (TPS) is a collaborative learning strategy that involves three simple steps: think, pair, and share. This method is designed to increase student engagement, critical thinking, and participation in classroom discussions. Developed by Frank Lyman, TPS is a cornerstone of active learning methodologies

In this article, we will explore what Think-Pair-Share is in active learning, its origin, how to implement it, and its benefits for both educators and students.

What is the Think-Pair-Share Active Learning Method?

Think-Pair-Share is a collaborative learning strategy designed to encourage student engagement, critical thinking, and communication skills. Developed by Frank Lyman in 1981, this method is part of the broader Kagan Cooperative Learning model, which emphasizes teamwork and interactive learning.

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The Think-Pair-Share strategy involves three simple steps:

1. Think: Students are given a question or problem to think about individually for a short period. This step encourages them to reflect on their knowledge and formulate their thoughts without interruption.
2. Pair: Students then pair up with a partner to discuss their thoughts and ideas. This step promotes peer interaction, allowing students to exchange perspectives, clarify misunderstandings, and build on each other’s ideas.
3. Share: Finally, pairs share their conclusions or insights with the larger group or class. This step fosters a sense of community and ensures that all students have the opportunity to contribute to the discussion.

Think-Pair-Share Strategy

The Think-Pair-Share strategy is highly flexible and can be adapted to various subjects and grade levels. Here’s how to effectively implement this strategy in your classroom:

1. Pose a Question

Start by presenting a thought-provoking question or problem related to the lesson.

Ensure that the question is open-ended and designed to stimulate critical thinking and discussion.

2. Give Think Time

Allow students a few minutes to think about the question individually.

This “think time” is crucial for students to reflect and develop their ideas before sharing them with a partner.

3. Form Pairs

Ask students to pair up with a neighbor or partner.

Encourage them to discuss their thoughts and responses to the question.

This step promotes collaboration and helps students articulate their ideas.

4. Facilitate Sharing

After the pair discussion, invite pairs to share their findings with the class. You can do this by having pairs take turns speaking or by using small group discussions.

Ensure that every student has the opportunity to participate.

5. Debrief and Reflect

Conclude the activity with a debriefing session. Discuss the key points raised during the Think-Pair-Share activity and reflect on how the discussion has deepened understanding of the topic.

This reflection helps consolidate learning and encourages critical thinking.

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Think-Pair-Share Activity Instructions

To effectively conduct a Think-Pair-Share activity, follow these detailed instructions:

1. Prepare the Question: Craft a clear and concise question that aligns with the lesson objectives. The question should be open-ended to encourage critical thinking and discussion.
2. Set the Stage: Explain the purpose of the activity and how it will be conducted. Provide clear instructions on the steps involved: thinking, pairing, and sharing.
3. Monitor and Support: Circulate around the room to monitor discussions, provide guidance, and ensure that all students are engaged. Offer support and encourage quieter students to participate.
4. Encourage Active Listening: Remind students to listen actively to their partner’s ideas and respect differing opinions. Encourage them to build on each other’s thoughts and ask clarifying questions.
5. Facilitate Sharing: When sharing begins, use strategies like round-robin sharing or small group discussions to ensure all voices are heard. Summarize the key points discussed and highlight any significant insights.
6. Reflect and Review: After the activity, facilitate a class discussion to review the main ideas and reflections. Ask students to share what they learned and how the activity helped them understand the topic better.

Think-Pair-Share Theorist: Frank Lyman

Frank Lyman, a professor at the University of Maryland, developed the Think-Pair-Share strategy in the 1980s. His work in cooperative learning emphasized the importance of student interaction and collaboration in the learning process. Lyman’s research highlighted that students learn more effectively when they actively engage with the material and with each other, rather than passively receiving information from the teacher.

Lyman’s approach to cooperative learning, including the Think-Pair-Share method, is rooted in the social constructivist theory of learning. This theory, championed by Lev Vygotsky, suggests that knowledge is constructed through social interaction and collaborative activities. By engaging students in discussions and group work, Think-Pair-Share fosters a social learning environment where students can negotiate meaning, share insights, and build understanding collectively.

Implementing Think-Pair-Share in Your Classroom

To effectively integrate Think-Pair-Share into your teaching, consider the following tips:

1. Plan Thoughtfully: Select questions or problems that align with your lesson objectives and are suitable for the Think-Pair-Share format. Ensure that they are open-ended and designed to stimulate discussion.
2. Create a Supportive Environment: Foster a classroom culture of respect, inclusivity, and active listening. Encourage students to share their ideas without fear of judgment and to build on each other’s contributions.
3. Use Technology: Enhance your Think-Pair-Share activities with technology tools such as digital discussion boards, online polling, or collaborative document sharing. These tools can facilitate remote or blended learning environments.
4. Reflect and Improve: After each activity, reflect on its effectiveness and gather feedback from students. Use their insights to refine and improve future Think-Pair-Share sessions.

Conclusion

Think-Pair-Share is a versatile and effective active learning strategy that can be implemented across various disciplines and grade levels.

By providing opportunities for individual reflection, collaborative discussion, and whole-class sharing, TPS promotes deeper understanding, improved communication, and enhanced critical thinking skills.

By incorporating TPS into your teaching practices, you can create a more engaging and student-centered learning environment