In the course of education, collaborative learning has developed an efficient strategy of engaging students in the learning process and encouraging their deep understanding.
The quote “Tell me and I forget, show me and I remember, involve me and I understand.” will be realized through one of the tools that I believe is effective in this principle and that is the Think-Pair-Share which is a simple yet effective approach that utilizes individual reflection and peer interaction.
This article addresses the foundations of Think-Pair-Share method, its advantages, and provide handy techniques for teachers knowing how to engage elementary students in online learning to accomplish a smooth integrating of this method into the classroom.
What Is Think-Pair-Share?
Think-Pair-Share is a cooperative learning method having three phases in which students are expected to do interactive and individual tasks. Initially, students individually engage in a thinking exercise such as questioning a problem, concept or a question (Think).
After that, they discuss what they have thought and have learned in pairs (Refer). The pairs finish their presentations, and then share their understanding by facilitating a class discussion, which was engaging and informative. By doing so, it will give life to active learning mode as well as cognitive engagement augmenting communication skills.
Think-Pair-Share Strategy In The Classroom
The Think-Pair-Share teaching approach serves a lot of benefits that help out both students and teachers. It makes students become actively involved and involved in community which in turn cause a participation of each student who uses their own original views.
Besides, this strategy teaches providing an insight preceding the release of a comment as the students analyze and phrase their thoughts before speaking. Moreover, the activity Think-Pair-Share enhances the social and communication skills by giving students an opportunity to display listening to others, tolerance of opposing opinion and joint problem solving.
It is an adequate practical approach for educators which they can use to get more information about students’ awareness in which case they can make necessary changes in time and direct the instruction of appropriate content.
Implementing Think-Pair-Share Effectively
Teachers need to organize an orderly process so that Think-Pair-Share technique can be used freely when it is needed. Firstly, the fundamental objective and the steps of the strategies must be highlighted to students.
Now, arrive at a formative question or problem that will be addressed during the lecture and which is closely related to learning objectives. Now we will proceed to “Think”, so encourage individual thinking as well as note-taking.
Next, plan for “Pair” phase by using either pre-organized groups or a move to structured dialog. The “Share” stage would be when partners present their ideas and from there having a good class discussion pulling out essential information.
Also, putting up different types of questions or requests in engaging students in online learning will enable you to address various thinking skill levels thus, by exercising all the skills. On the last note, offer the appropriate feedback and encourage student’s collaborative efforts, thereby recognizing their learning.
The Think-Pair-Share Method
Think-Pair-Share is a unique technique that can be used as a multi-dimensioned strategy to solve various learning needs. The example of the “Think-Pair-Square” modification telling us that pairs are able to join into groups formed by four people and the result is even more powerful collaboration and the sharing.
Furthermore, following the “Think-Pair-Write technique”, students are encouraged to write down their main idea associated with their discussion. Technology as well can facilitate this by use of “Think-Pair-Share Online” concept that links digital platform for students at home.
These accommodations help to differentiate teachings and make them accessible to students of rather distinct styles of learning, subject areas, and classrooms.
Conclusion
The Think-Pair-Share way of teaching is an essential hands-on solution of effective group work which supports learners’ active participation, keen-mindedness and communication skills within the classroom setting.
Whether educators choose from discussion boards, social networking platforms, or specific collaboration tools, this simple but powerful way of learning can be transformed into an exciting and stimulating environment where students take charge of their own learning process.
Help themselves to overcome any difficulties they encounter and acquire the skills they need for becoming successful agents of change in the 21st century.
