Flipped Classroom Strategy 3: Think-Pair-Share (In/During Class Instructional Strategy)

A common yet important point about the flipped classroom in discussions among higher education faculty and instructional designers is the fact that there is no one right way or strategy for the flipped method.  This includes the strategies implemented before, during,

and after class time.  However, in addressing the question what is the best use of class time? that is central to the flipped classroom, it is important that we explore the active learning strategies that we are seeing faculty implement in successful yet engaging flipped classroom/learning environments.  One such active learning strategy is think-pair-share.

What is think-pair-share?

Think-pair-share is a simple yet effective active learning strategy that includes elements of both individual and group/team work.  This strategy requires students to reflect on their own individual knowledge in order to explain their reasoning to others.  Here is the general process for implementing the think-share-pair strategy:

1. The instructor asks the class a relatively difficult question(s) and allows students time think about the question(s) individually on their own.
2. Then, students are given additional time to confer their reasoning with another classmate (pair) on the same question(s). 
3. Finally, pairs will then share their ideas or demonstrate their solutions to the question(s) to the whole class.  Pairs can volunteer to share their ideas/solutions to the whole class or be called upon at random by the instructor.

It's important to present students with a difficult question(s) that makes pairing necessary and worthwhile.  If students can answer the presented question(s) quickly, then there is no reason for them to pair and their interest on the given topic can be easily lost.

Additional resources on think-pair-share

• Think-Pair-Share from the University of Texas at Austin's Center for Teaching and Learning
• [VIDEO] Think-Pair-Share Classroom Example (higher education example)
• [VIDEO] Interactive Research Seminars: A Technique for Keeping Students Engaged (higher education example)
• The Simplicity of 'Think-Pair-Share'
• Classroom Strategy: Think Pair Share
• Using Think-Pair-Share in the College Classroom

 

Related posts

• Flipped Classroom Strategy 1: Taking Notes with VideoNot.es
• Flipped Classroom Strategy 2: Identify Where to Flip and Start Small

What are your thoughts or experience with using think-pair-share in your classroom?  Share your ideas in the comments section below.