Description: This strategy has three steps. First, students think individually about a particular question or scenario. Then they pair up to discuss and compare their ideas. Finally, they are given the chance to share their ideas in a large class discussion.
- Class size: any
- Time frame: 5-10 minutes
- Setting: No limitations
- Modality: Face-to-face, hybrid
Comments: Think-pair-sharing forces all students to attempt an initial response to the question, which they can then clarify and expand as they collaborate. It also gives them a chance to validate their ideas in a small group before mentioning them to the large group, which may help shy students feel more confident participating.
Group Work in the Classroom: Types of Small Groups. Centre for Teaching Excellence, University of Waterloo.