Think-pair-share
By using this method, you prevent group thinking or freeriding.
- Think: In this method students start individually by contemplating a question or assignment related to the teaching material.
- Pair: After this, they discuss their answers in pairs and come up with a final answer.
- Share: These answers will then be reviewed in a plenary discussion or through a votingtool. Through this method, you prevent group thinking or freeriding.
On-campus
The activity takes about 30 to 60 minutes and could be done with more than 60 students. It could be used as a blended learning activity.
Manual
Supplies needed
- Literature to study
- Question to answer
- Optional: Votingtool
Set-up classroom
A simple classroom set-up, like a U-shape is sufficient. Students work on their own at their own table and discuss with the person next to them.
Step 1. (Preparation)
Prepare a question or assignment related to the provided literature.
Step 2. (During class)
Instruct students about the learning activity and the think, pair and share steps.
Step 3. (During class)
Think: Students start working on the question themself.
Optional: make the activity blended by letting the students individually prepare the question at home.
Step 4. (During class)
Pair: After a certain time, you instruct students to pair up and discuss their findings. Let them formulate a combined answer.
Step 5. (Evaluation)
Share: Students provide their answers plenary, let them discuss their findings. Provide keynotes to take home.
Optional: Use a votingtool and an open-ended question for students to hand their answer in.
Tools
Online
The activity takes about 30 to 60 minutes and could be done with more than 60 students. It could be used as a blended learning activity.
Manual
Supplies needed
- Literature to study
- Question to answer
- Microsoft Teams
- Optional: Votingtool
Set-up classroom
Create a classroom in Microsoft Teams to use. Use break-outrooms if students have to work together.
Optionally: Using a Virtual Classroom could be suggested, due to its elaborate technical options.
Step 1. (Preparation)
Prepare a question or assignment related to the provided literature.
Step 2. (During class)
Students come to class online. Instruct them about the learning activity and the think, pair and share steps.
Step 3. (During class)
Think: Students start working on the question themself.
Optional: make the activity blended by letting the students individually prepare the question at home.
Step 4. (During class)
Pair: After a certain time, you instruct students to pair up and discuss their findings. Do this by using breakout rooms. Let them formulate a combined answer.
Step 5. (Evaluation)
Share: Students provide their answers plenary, let them discuss their findings. Provide keynotes to take home.
Optional: Use a votingtool and an open-ended question for students to hand their answer in.
Hybrid
The activity takes about 30 to 60 minutes and could be done with more than of 60 students. It could be used as a blended learning activity.
Manual
Supplies needed
- Literature to study
- Question to answer
- Microsoft Teams
- Optional: Votingtool
Set-up classroom
A hybrid classroom is suggested. A simple classroom set-up, like a U-shape is sufficient. Students work on their own at their own table and discuss with the person next to them. Provide a Microsoft Teams channel for the students online. Suggested is to keep the online group and on-campus group separated.
Step 1. (Preparation)
Prepare a question or assignment related to the provided literature.
Step 2. (During class)
Students come to class online. Instruct them about the learning activity and the think, pair and share steps.
Step 3. (During class)
Think: Students start working on the question themself.
Optional: make the activity blended by letting the students individually prepare the question at home.
Step 4. (During class)
Pair: After a certain time, you instruct students to pair up and discuss their findings. Let them formulate a combined answer. Suggested is to separate the online and the on-campus students. Let the students online work in breakout rooms.
Step 5. (Evaluation)
Students provide their answers. Provide keynotes to take home.
Optional: Use a votingtool and an open-ended question for students to hand their answer in.
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