"Pair-Think-Share" Technique
I really like this spin on the group activity. I plan to utilize it by putting students into pairs (and changing the pairings up each day) before lecture and presenting a critical thinking or reflection question to enhance learning. I find this technique so valuable because my students will have the opportunity to listen to other points of view and learn to negotiate how to present their answers. It also provides an opportunity for reinforcement.
I also use this technique and find it to be a very powerful tool in the classroom. It builds a sense of community with the students, where they can support each other and work together to enhance their learning experience.
I believe that the “Pair-Think-Share Technique†is a valuable learning tool. It gives the student the opportunity to discuss topics with other students and the results of these discussions are a more informed student. The discussions are also a way for student to get to know each other. The resulting friendships helps the students develop a feeling of security. It makes the learning environment more enjoyable and the learning process becomes more effect.
Jennifer, great technique and thanks for sharing your experience.
James Jackson
This really works!. I have adopted this technique in my classroom, and the students love it. I have actually incorporated it into my powerpoint presentations and lectures to break up the class a little bit. It gives the students the opportunity to talk to eachother, hear other opinions, and reinforce key points.
Lisa, will be interested in hearing about your observations so please report back once you have implemented your new strategy.
James Jackson
I have used this method for years, but I have always allowed the students to choose their own groups. I am going to try moving the students around a bit. I find that the "talkative" ones pair together and the less social ones pair together. This can make coming back to the group for discussion a bit challenging.
John, we will look forward to hearing more about how this technique assists you in your classroom so please check back and share your experiences.
James Jackson
I agree. I think this technique actually does more that just provide adult students with security. Like you mentioned Erin, this promotes team-work between students who may normally not work/study together. It also allows for them to combine ideas and encourage crititcal thinking. I have assigned group projects in class, but not during questioning. I too am going to utilize this more and try switching partners up as well. Great ideas!
I really like this activity too. I know personally at times I feel insecure when asked a question and I have not always thought about that from my students point of view. They probably have those same feelings of insecurity at times. This activity provides variety to a sometimes monotonous day. I like that you would do it daily and with a critical thinking or reflection question and that you would switch up the partnership. I think I will try some of this with my students and I think it will help create a safe sharing space, better team-work, and a more thought provoking class.
Yes, I've never thought of this until ED112. I am constantly looking for a better way for my students to complete their homework assignment. The class is 16 hours and we meet across four days, but I'd like to try this and see if I get a higher number of students to complete the assignment. It's not a hard assignment, but I feel that students might be less likely to be intimidated to present their completed assignments in front of the class if they were in pairs. Thanks!
I'm with Heather on this. I like the idea of changing up the groups and allowing everyone a chance to get to work with people that they may not get to on a normal basis. My classes all work in groups as it is and I feel like sometimes they get too comfortable and them some of the learning shuts down within the groups.
Heather, great choice. Moving the groups around also tends to keep students more on their toes and more in touch with your lesson objectives. Once they become too familiar with each other this heightened state of awareness may calm down but take full advantage while the movement of groups is bringing a fresh sense of newness into the classroom
James Jackson
