{"id":305,"date":"2024-06-01T20:34:36","date_gmt":"2024-06-01T20:34:36","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/flashofthestars.com\/?p=305"},"modified":"2025-05-05T00:15:58","modified_gmt":"2025-05-05T00:15:58","slug":"what-is-the-think-pair-share-strategy","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/flashofthestars.com\/index.php\/2024\/06\/01\/what-is-the-think-pair-share-strategy\/","title":{"rendered":"What is The Think Pair Share Strategy?"},"content":{"rendered":"

In today’s post, I discuss a key teaching and learning strategy known as Think-Pair-Share (TPS). More specifically, I will cover what recent research says about the effectiveness and use of TPS, delve into the key advantages of using this strategy in classroom teaching, and provide tips to help teachers seamlessly integrate TPS into their daily teaching routines. <\/p>\n

To conclude, I’ll showcase practical examples across various subjects to demonstrate how this strategy can be applied effectively in diverse educational settings. Whether you’re a seasoned educator or new to the profession, this post aims to enrich your teaching toolkit with insights and actionable steps for implementing Think-Pair-Share.<\/p>\n

For those of you interested in learning more about the research-based underpinnings of the Think-Pair-Share strategy, I invite you to check the references at the bottom of this post. These resources provide deeper insights and further details that can help enrich your understanding and application of this effective teaching method.<\/p>\n

What Is The Think Pair Share Strategy?<\/h2>\n

The Think-Pair-Share strategy is a popular collaborative learning method, which was introduced by Professor Frank Lyman at the University of Maryland in 1981 (Kaddoura, 2013). This technique unfolds in three key stages:<\/p>\n

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  1. Think:<\/strong> In this initial phase, students are presented with a question, prompt, or observation by the teacher. They are given a few minutes to quietly reflect on the topic and formulate their own thoughts and responses independently.<\/li>\n
  2. Pair:<\/strong> Next, students team up with a partner or a nearby classmate to discuss their individual thoughts. This stage allows them to exchange ideas, compare notes, and decide together which responses are the strongest, most persuasive, or most unique.<\/li>\n
  3. Share:<\/strong> Finally, pairs are invited to share their insights with the entire class. This sharing can take the form of presenting their agreed-upon answers or simply discussing the variety of ideas that emerged during their pair discussions.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n
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    \"Think<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n
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    Think-Pair-Share: Insights from Recent Research<\/h3>\n

    Research on the Think-Pair-Share (TPS) strategy continues to validate its effectiveness and adaptability in educational settings. According to Kaddoura (2007), TPS significantly enhances critical thinking (CT) skills along with analytical abilities like argumentation, prioritization, problem-solving, and resolution. <\/p>\n

    This aligns with earlier findings by authors like Robertson (2006) and Ledlow (2001), who advocate for TPS as an active and engaging pedagogical tool that facilitates deeper learning through cooperative interaction. These studies suggest that the structured phases of TPS encourage comprehensive thinking and interaction, which are essential for developing higher-level cognitive skills.<\/p>\n

    However, the research by Copper et al. (2021) introduces a critical examination of the ‘share’ component of TPS, revealing potential drawbacks such as inequities in student participation and heightened anxiety among students when sharing in front of large groups. Their findings underscore the necessity to reassess this phase, suggesting modifications or even elimination in certain contexts to better serve all students’ needs and minimize classroom anxieties. This perspective is crucial as it highlights the evolving understanding of how traditional methods need adaptation to ensure inclusivity and effectiveness in diverse educational settings.<\/p>\n

    While fundamentally robust, the strategy\u2019s application and execution may require careful consideration and adjustment to address the unique challenges of contemporary classrooms. This ongoing dialogue between embracing proven methods and adapting to new educational landscapes ensures that teaching strategies like TPS remain relevant and effective in fostering not just academic skills but also a supportive and equitable learning environment.<\/p>\n

    Related: What is Andragogy?<\/a><\/p>\n

    Key Advantages of Think-Pair-Share in Classroom Teaching<\/h2>\n

    Here is a short summary of the main advantages of the Think-Pair-Share (TPS) strategy, as backed by research. These benefits illustrate how TPS can effectively enhance both individual and collaborative learning experiences in educational settings:<\/p>\n