Exponential Think-Pair-Share

 OTHER TIPS: EXPONENTIAL THINK-PAIR-SHARE

Exponential Think-Pair-Share

Shared by:

Sloane Burke, Health Sciences

Materials needed:

  • Paper (8x11) or index cards for students to write notes, strategies, solutions, etc.

Learning challenge addressed/predictable outcome:

  • Reduces traditional format of lecturer “talking at” students
  • Encourages active engagement for better learner outcomes
  • Improves communication skills
  • Further develops critical thinking skills
  • Employs critical thinking skills
  • Increases synthesis of course material
  • Increases students’ comfort in communicating with each other
  • Creates a positive classroom environment with instructor as facilitator
  • Encourages student engagement

Best used for:

  • Any class size
  • Complex content or synthesis of assignment (e.g., reading material or case studies)

Learning objectives/skills fostered:

  • Provides opportunity for peer directed learning
  • Encourages synthesis of material

What to do/how to do it:

  1. Explain to students the concept of “Think, Pair, and Share” which is for students to “think”, reflect, or critically analyze material independently then “pair” with another student to “share” ideas, thoughts, strategies that they discovered from assigned material.
  2. If students have not been assigned material prior, provide material and have each student review content independently. Instruct the student to jot down notes of thoughts, ideas, strategies, solutions, etc.  on the material.  
  3. Have students then discuss their ideas in pairs (two students). Recommended time for each group session is 15 minutes.  Circulate around room to ensure students are staying engaged in content. 
  4. Ask students to then get into groups of 4. See above.
  5. Ask students to then get into groups of 8. See above.
  6. Ask students to then get into groups of 16. See above. 
  7. Eventually the “group” turns back into the entire classroom. Discuss what was learned, reinforcing any content points from each of the groups. 

Tips for implementing:

  • Assign content prior that will provide a rich discussion for the activity.