Numbered Heads Together
Grade K-12
Big Idea
Directions
Divide the students into groups of four and give each one a number from one to four.
Pose a question or a problem to the class.
Give students the opportunity to think quietly and solve the problem on their own.
Have students gather, "heads together", to discuss the question and come up with a shared answer. Each member of the group should understand the answer and the groups' rationale.
Pose the question again and call out a number randomly.
The students with that number raise their hands, and when called on, the student answers for his or her team.
When to use
This is a flexible strategy that can be used at a variety of levels. The teacher may start with factual information questions, and as students become more familiar with the strategy, ask questions that require analysis or synthesis of information.
This strategy can be used across all content area.
Video Examples
Strategy Variations
Comprehension questions can be posed to groups, and students can work together to find the answers. For example, when reading a story, students can be given the task of analyzing one of the characters. They can be asked questions such as, "Which character traits are stated directly, and which are implied by the author?" and "What information do you get from the character's speech and actions?"
Writing
Students can evaluate the quality of a piece of writing using a rubric. Have students review the writing as a group and assign scores as a group. Ask them to respond with their scores and rationale using the numbered heads together strategy.
Math
Numbered heads together can be used when solving math problems. Ask questions such as "What are the facts in this problem?" "Which strategy would be most appropriate?" and "What solution did your group agree on?"
Social Studies
This strategy can be used after reading a chapter in a text, or after material has been presented. Ask clarifying questions about the text and have students find and discuss the answers. When groups are ready, review the answers using this strategy.
Science
This strategy can be used in preparation for a test or quiz. Allow time for students to study together in their groups and perhaps create questions that might be on the test or quiz. Using the numbered heads together strategy, ask questions about the material that will be on the test or quiz.