pair-think-share
I try to utilize this technique with my students to help encourage them. I find it best to pair students who are not understanding with students who have comprehension of the subject matter. It gives the students a different viewpoint and maybe helps clarify their understanding.
I agree, working in pairs definetly helps. I think that a student is more willing to ask a peer about something they do not fully comprehend.
I think it is important to identify which student has English as a second language and try to pair students that can compliment each other. It is a very effective strategy. I find that you need to make sure that one of the pair is not the one who carrys the burden of the assignment.
This method works very well,students sometimes,feel more comfortably discussing certain questions with another student sometimes for clarity, as long as one is not carrying too much of the load.
Thanks, Rey Dela Cruz! I have also tried to use this approach and let students that are challenged by a particular concept be paired up with those that understand it, for the same reasons you mentioned. I have also found it interesting to pair "like" students together...If I put two that are excelling in the concept, they are able to use some advanced critical thinking skills to take the concept further, "outside-the-box". Likewise, if two are both struggling, they will often surprisingly recognize what they DO understand while brainstorming and working with another at their level-thereby enhancing each others' understanding.
I have found that pair-think-share schema provides learners with opportunities to develop better communication skill confidence. I pair strong learners with struggling students. The strong personality types tend to want to nurture and facilitate confidence building in the other learner. The struggling student gains confidence as the stronger one affirms they are going in the right direction for the subject matter in question.
I have tried The "Pair-Think-Share" technique in an informal setting during class-questioning time by asking another student to "assist" his/her classmate who is struggling with the topic/issue being discussed. It seems to help everyone in the classroom with their "security". In addition, facilitates the building up of a "trust" amongst students.
Emely Cruz
Emely , thanks for sharing. Testimonials like yours assists other instructors in their trust of working in new techniques within their own tool kits. Are there any specific tips you can provide with respect to how you have been able to make the Pair-Think-Share technique work within your own classroom?
James Jackson
I completely agree.. In my experience the strong learner becomes the nurturer and takes the time to support/mentor the struggling learner, in hopes to get them up to speed. I find that it is rewarding to both. The struggling learner if paired correctly will engage with their peer and proactively attempt to comprehend the material.
I couldn't agree more. It is very satisfying to watch this develop among the students. ultimately this experience/process helps all of them increase their intrinsic motivation and certainly enhances their learning.
I do agree, Pairing can at times be helpful. I wish there was always enough class time to do this each day, or even once a week.
A blog of the most missed points, would also be helpful.
