Engaging students in active learning is an essential goal of education. Think-Pair-Share (TPS) is a simple, yet effective, teaching strategy that enhances student learning and promotes student discussion. TPS encourages students to think critically, share ideas, and learn from one another. This article will explain the concept of TPS, its benefits, and how to implement it in the classroom.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
What is Think-Pair-Share?
Think-Pair-Share is a cooperative learning strategy that involves three phases: thinking, pairing, and sharing. In the thinking phase, students are asked to think about a question or problem. In the pairing phase, students work in pairs to share their ideas and discuss the question or problem. In the sharing phase, pairs share their ideas with the rest of the class.
TPS is a versatile strategy that can be used in any subject area and with any grade level. It can be used to introduce a new concept, review material, or assess student understanding. TPS can also be used to promote critical thinking, problem-solving, and communication skills.
Benefits of Think-Pair-Share
Research has shown that TPS has numerous benefits for both students and teachers. Here are some of the key benefits:
Increased Student Engagement
TPS actively engages students in the learning process by requiring them to think and discuss. This active engagement helps students stay focused and interested in the material.
Improved Student Learning
TPS promotes deeper learning by encouraging students to think critically and discuss their ideas with others. This process helps students gain a deeper understanding of the material and can improve their retention of information.
Enhanced Student Discussion
TPS promotes student discussion by requiring students to share their ideas with a partner and then with the rest of the class. This process helps students learn from one another and can improve their communication and collaboration skills.
Opportunity for Reflection
TPS allows students to reflect on their own thinking and learning. This reflection can help students identify areas where they need more practice or further clarification.
Increased Teacher Feedback
TPS provides teachers with immediate feedback on student understanding. By listening to student discussions, teachers can identify areas where students are struggling and adjust their instruction accordingly.
How to Implement Think-Pair-Share
Implementing TPS in the classroom is relatively easy. Here are the steps:
- Pose a Question or Problem: The teacher poses a question or problem related to the topic being studied. The question or problem should be thought-provoking and encourage discussion.
- Think: Students are given a few minutes to think about the question or problem independently. This gives them time to gather their thoughts and formulate their ideas.
- Pair: Students are paired with a partner to discuss their ideas. Partners should be chosen randomly or by the teacher to ensure that students work with different classmates.
- Share: Pairs share their ideas with the rest of the class. The teacher can choose to have pairs share with the entire class or with just a few other pairs.
- Debrief: After the sharing phase, the teacher should debrief with the class. This is an opportunity to clarify any misconceptions or highlight key points.
Tips for Successful Implementation
Here are some tips for the successful implementation of TPS in the classroom:
Set Clear Expectations
Before starting TPS, it is important to set clear expectations for students. Explain the process and provide guidelines for discussion. Students should be reminded to listen actively and respectfully to their partner’s ideas and to speak clearly and concisely when sharing their own.
Use Open-Ended Questions
To promote critical thinking and discussion, use open-ended questions that require more than a yes or no answer. Open-ended questions encourage students to think deeply about the material and to share their own perspectives and experiences.
Vary Pairing Strategies
To keep students engaged and to promote diversity of perspectives, vary the pairing strategies. For example, students can be paired with someone who has a different opinion than theirs or with someone who they do not know well.
Debrief and Reflect
After each TPS session, take time to debrief and reflect with the class. This is an opportunity to clarify any misconceptions or highlight key points. It is also a time to reflect on what worked well and what could be improved for future TPS sessions.
Be Patient
TPS requires patience and practice. At first, students may be hesitant to share their ideas with others. However, with practice, they will become more comfortable with the process and more willing to share their ideas and engage in discussion.
Examples of Think-Pair-Share Activities
Here are some examples of Think-Pair-Share activities that can be used in the classroom:
Math:
Pose a problem related to the topic being studied, such as solving a word problem or explaining a concept. Have students think about the problem independently, pair up, and then share their solutions with each other before sharing them with the class.
Science:
Pose a question related to a scientific concept or experiment being studied, such as “What causes photosynthesis to occur?” or “What would happen if we changed this variable in the experiment?” Have students think about the question independently, pair up, and then share their ideas before sharing with the class.
English Language Arts:
Pose a question related to a literary text being studied, such as “What motivates the main character in the story?” or “What themes are present in this poem?” Have students think about the question independently, pair up, and then share their ideas before sharing with the class.
Social Studies:
Pose a question related to a historical event or concept being studied, such as “What were the causes of the Civil War?” or “What was the impact of the Industrial Revolution?” Have students think about the question independently, pair up, and then share their ideas before sharing with the class.
Research on Think-Pair-Share
Numerous studies have been conducted on the effectiveness of Think-Pair-Share in enhancing student learning and promoting student discussion. One study found that using TPS in a biology classroom significantly improved student participation, engagement, and retention of information (Kagan, 1992). Another study found that using TPS in a chemistry classroom led to higher student achievement and deeper conceptual understanding (Horn, 2014). A third study found that using TPS in a language arts classroom promoted student discussion and increased student understanding of complex literary texts (Brown, 2013).
Overall, research suggests that Think-Pair-Share is an effective teaching strategy that can enhance student learning and promote student discussion across a range of subject areas and grade levels.
Conclusion
Think-Pair-Share is a powerful teaching strategy that can enhance student learning and promote student discussion. By engaging students in active learning and promoting critical thinking and communication skills, TPS can help create a collaborative learning environment that encourages students to take ownership of their learning and supports their academic success. By implementing TPS in the classroom and using the tips and examples outlined in this article, educators can enhance student learning and discussion in their classrooms.
TPS is an excellent example of how simple yet effective teaching strategies can be used to enhance student learning and promote student discussion. By encouraging students to think critically, share ideas, and learn from one another, educators can create a collaborative learning environment that prepares students for success in the classroom and beyond. By continuing to use evidence-based teaching strategies such as TPS, educators can continue to promote student success and support academic achievement.