Think.Pair.Share
K-12
Big Idea
Think-Pair-Share (TPS) is a collaborative learning strategy in which students work together to solve a problem or answer a question about an assigned reading. This technique requires students to (1) think individually about a topic or answer to a question; and (2) share ideas with classmates. Discussing an answer with a partner serves to maximize participation, focus attention and engage students in comprehending the reading material.
Description taken from: http://www.adlit.org/strategies/23277/
Directions
The teacher decides upon the text to be read and develops the set of questions or prompts that target key content concepts. The teacher then describes the purpose of the strategy and provides guidelines for discussions. As with all strategy instruction, teachers should model the procedure to ensure that students understand how to use the strategy. Teachers should monitor and support students as they work.
- T : (Think) Teachers begin by asking a specific question about the text. Students "think" about what they know or have learned about the topic.
- P : (Pair) Each student should be paired with another student or a small group.
- S : (Share) Students share their thinking with their partner. Teachers expand the "share" into a whole-class discussion.
Taken from: http://www.adlit.org/strategies/23277/
When to Use
Variation
Teachers can modify this strategy and include various writing components within the Think-Pair-Share strategy. This provides teachers with the opportunity to see whether there are problems in comprehension. Teachers can create a Read-Write-Pair-Share strategy in which students:
- R: Read the assigned material;
- W: Write down their thoughts about the topic prior to the discussions;
- P: Pair up with a partner
- S: Share their ideas with a partner and/or the whole class.
Taken from: http://www.adlit.org/strategies/23277/