Instruction Model - Think, Pair, Share Model

Overview

The Think, Pair, Share Model allows the students to explore a subject and learn from each other. It results in increased participation and greater memory retention. It improves learner confidence.

When to Use Think, Pair, Share

This instructional model is useful when helping students to explore concepts and to learn from each other.

Steps in the Think, Pair, Share Model

  1. Teacher poses a question. This question should be a high level question without a "correct" answer. The students should have sufficient information to discuss the question.
  2. Students think individually. This allows the students to apply their own experience to the question. Each student should formulate a response the question and justification for that response.
  3. Each student discusses their ideas with a partner. In a nonthreatening environment, this allows the student
  4. Students share their ideas with the whole class.

Variations

  • After the students pair with one other student, have each pair combine again to explore more possibilities.

Lesson Evaluation Checklist

check boxempty space Question was high level.
check boxempty space Students had enough information to discuss the question.
check boxempty space Classroom environment was nonthreatening.
check boxempty space All students contributed to the class instruction.
check boxempty space Substantial though went into the classroom instruction.

Credits

Adapted from pg 271-272, Gunter, Estes, Schwab, Instruction, a Models Approach, 4th Edition, 2003, Allyn and Bacon

Other Resources

Gunter, Estes, Schwab, Instruction, a Models Approach, 4th Edition, 2003, Allyn and Bacon

F. Lyman, The Responsive Classroom Discussion, in Mainstream Digest, ed. A. S. Anderson (College Park: University of Maryland College of Education, 1981).