Think, Pair, Share
Activity Summary
First, students individually try to recall everything they know about the given topic, then discuss their ideas with a partner/ group. Finally, they share their findings with the class. This can be used as a collaborative exercise to use the prior knowledge of all students.
Activity Plan
1
2 min
The teacher explains how the activity will be conducted and presents the topic that will be covered.
Each student should have a piece of paper and a pen/pencil.
2
5 min
Once students are given the topic, they have 5 minutes to write down everything they know about it.
3
5-7 min
Divided into pairs (e.g. the teacher can use the desk arrangement to speed up organisation), students present what they have written and discuss with their partner.
4
5-7 min
(OPTIONAL)
Divided into groups of 4, students discuss the (pairs’) try to find a shared output for the group.
5
15-20 min
One student from each group has 2 minutes to share their results/information/knowledge with the class; the teacher records on the whiteboard / shared online board the students’ suggestions and discusses as a class. The teacher can also facilitate students in a final reflection and evaluation on the effectiveness of the activity.
Tips & Tricks
- Stage 4 (small group step) is optional: it is possible to carry out the activity effectively with only the steps of pair discussion and feedback to the class (saving time for other teaching activities).
- Each group in stage 4 should choose a representative or a group leader that will present their idea to the class.
- The activity can be used to:
- determine previous knowledge before introducing a new topic of study (in the “Introduce a Topic” phase of the Learning Journey)
- deepen a topic or apply knowledge/theorems to solve a problem (in the “Explore a Topic” phase of the Learning Journey)
- Synthesize and revise knowledge before testing a topic (in the “Conclude a Topic” phase of the Learning Journey)