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 Activities Think-Pair-Share

Think-pair-share

Brief description

Think-pair-share is a simple exercise in which students begin by thinking about a question individually, go on to discuss it in pairs and finally share their insights with others/the class. The exercise can be used to stimulate dialogue between the students, encourage them to reflect on a topic or simply to serve as a short, active break in a lecture.

Motivation for the activity and desired outcome

Some students find lectures to be long and tiring, and research shows that students start have a significantly harder time paying attention after 20-30 minutes of passive listening. By facilitating dialogue through think-pair-share, you will create variation in the class and encourage the ‘quiet students’ to make themselves heard. At the same time, you’re also creating an environment where the students use dialogue to reflect on the material being taught

Perform the activity (5-10 min.):

  1. The teacher presents a question, problem or dilemma to the students which is related to the material being taught in class. (1 min.)
  2. The students sit by themselves and reflect/think without speaking together. They may want to write down their thoughts. (1-2 min.)
  3. The students should then turn to face a student sitting next to them. In pairs, they should share their reflections with each other and then discuss the question together. (2-3 min.)
  4. Finally, students are asked to share what they thought and discussed together with the rest of the class. The lecturer can either answer the input from the students or let other students ask clarifying questions. (2-3 min.)

Variations:

  • The lecturer might choose a tool that allows the students to answer the question anonymously – e.g. Mentimeter.
  • The answers can be displayed on a big screen monitor, and the lecturer can choose a couple and round up the discussion on the basis of them.
  • Answers can also be shared as written post-its on a blackboard or as a post in Padlet.
  • The lecturer may want to ask the students to elaborate on their answers during the general discussion.

You will need:

  • Prepare a good question that the students will base their discussion on. Write the question on a slide in your presentation, so the students can look at it if they are in doubt during the activity.
  • If you’re using Mentimeter or Padlet, the activity has to be prepared in advance on the chosen platform, so you can share a link with the students during the activity.

Useful tips:

  • At what point during your teaching would it make sense to include this activity? The activity could be useful:
  • at the beginning of the class as a way to activate the students’ prior knowledge.
  • during the class as a way to reflect on the material.
  • to conclude the class. ‘What did I learn?’
  • Is the purpose to activate the students through dialogue on a topic, is it to start a classroom discussion, or is it to create variation in the teaching?
  • Should the students discuss in pairs or in groups?
Revised 09.10.2023
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