Think-pair-share

Think-pair-share (a.k.a. T.P.S.) is a technique designed to encourage students to develop, discuss and share ideas around a particular topic, issue or problem. Students share and compare possible answers to a question with a partner before addressing the larger class. This strategy can be used to gauge conceptual understanding, filter information, draw conclusions and encourage peer learning among students. Results can also signal to the educator to re-explain content or provide further support for students.

The format of think-pair-share is:

Think: Students think independently about a topic/issue/problem then form ideas of their own.

Pair: Students are paired into a group of two to discuss their thoughts, allowing the students to articulate their idea(s).

Share: The pair shares their findings with the whole class via presentation/ discussion.

Think-pair-share is

effective for:

best to pair with:

  • Collaboration and cooperation
  • Critical thinking
  • Identifying misconceptions
  • Peer learning
  • Categorising grid
  • Clarification pause
  • ConcepTest
  • In-class polling
  • Jigsaw
  • Minute paper
  • Socratic questioning
  • Top twenty

Example

TPS can be a quick conversation (1-5 minutes) between two students about a particular topic, issue or problem with more in depth thinking, discussion, and note taking. The educator might provide a thinking break in a lesson by providing an invitation for paired students to converse with each other. The process first involves a “quiet” time for each student to collect their thoughts and possibly make notes. The goal of the TPS strategy is for the students to have a genuine discussion about their own thoughts or ideas. They should collaborate, debate, coach and have a conversation about what they are thinking and learning. After the pairs have conversed for the allotted time, they can share with other pairs or with the class as a whole.