Teaching Tip #3: Think-Pair-Share

THINK-PAIR-SHARE			Danielson Compatibility
			3b – Questioning and Discussion 3c – Engaging Students
What	A student centered instructional activity
Why	·       Helps students process and analyze information by sharing ideas with others ·       Encourages critical thinking and writing prior to large group discussion ·       Engages students in their learning through accountable talk
When	·       Do now to hook and/or to activate prior knowledge ·       End of the lesson or unit to review ideas or skills ·       Student activity section of the lesson ·       Start of a new unit or topic as an introduction
Steps
Teacher		Students
1. Teacher poses topic or question		1. Student records topic or question
2. Teacher gives a specific amount of time for students to record their answers		2. Student records his/her answer in allotted time
3. Teacher directs students to make pairs (intentional grouping is desired)		3. Students move into pairs
4. Teacher gives a specific amount of time and specific directions for students to discuss their individual answers with partners.		4. Students compare answers with their partners. They take turns sharing and recording the discussion.
5. Teacher calls class back together		5. Students come to order
6. Teacher facilitates student-centered share-out		6. Students participate in and initiate class discussion
Suggestions
Ø  Use a timer for each step to ensure no time is wasted and to create urgency Ø  Provide specific format/structure for note taking Ø  Post student pairs on smartboard or chart paper Ø  Do LIVE GRADING based on the quality of discussions Ø  Assign students a specific task for reporting back (ex: what is one thing your partner shared)