Purpose
In this strategy, students take time to think alone and then discuss
their ideas with a partner. After that, each pair shares their ideas
with other students. This method is an excellent way to increase student
participation in a discussion, to ensure that all students have an
opportunity to consider a question and formulate a response, and to draw
out students who might be too shy to speak in front of the group. This
strategy can also be used to develop critical thinking, persuasion, and
debate skills.
Procedures
- Pose a discussion question or a hypothetical situation to the students.
- Ask students if they have any clarifying questions about the facts or what the question is asking.
- Give students a short amount of time to think about possible answers or solutions on their own.
- Divide the students into pairs to discuss their ideas with their
partner. They should try to come to an agreement or consensus on the
answer or solution.
- Begin a large, whole-class discussion by inviting each pair to share their answer and reasoning with everyone.