In the landscape of education, the pivot to remote learning has presented unique challenges and opportunities. Traditional classroom strategies need reimagining to thrive in a virtual environment. One such strategy is Think-Pair-Share, a collaborative learning approach promoting engagement and deeper understanding. This method, traditionally relying on physical proximity, can be ingeniously adapted for remote learning, thus enhancing the online educational experience. Here’s how.
Understanding Think-Pair-Share
Think-Pair-Share is a cooperative learning technique that involves students thinking through a question or problem individually, then discussing their ideas in pairs, and finally sharing their insights with the larger group or class. This approach is celebrated for encouraging participation, fostering deeper understanding, and enhancing communication skills among students.
Adapting Think-Pair-Share for Remote Learning
Make Use of Breakout Rooms
Most video conferencing tools used in remote learning, such as Zoom or Microsoft Teams, offer breakout room features. Teachers can leverage these to create virtual pairs or small groups. After posing a question or problem, educators can split the class into these digital rooms, where students can discuss their thoughts privately before reconvening in the main session to share their conclusions.
Leverage Discussion Boards
For asynchronous learning situations, discussion boards provide an excellent platform for Think-Pair-Share. Educators can post a question, and students can first reflect individually, writing their initial thoughts. Then, they can reply to each other’s posts, simulating the pair phase. Finally, a group discussion can be facilitated by summarizing the thread’s highlights or bringing key insights into the next live session.
Utilize Collaborative Documents
Google Docs or Microsoft Word Online can facilitate a dynamic Think-Pair-Share session. Students can be directed to a shared document to jot down their initial thoughts (Think), then pair up through private messages or a separate document to discuss (Pair), and finally, compile their insights in a communal section of the document for the class to review (Share).
Implement Polling and Quizzing Tools
Incorporating tools like Kahoot! or Google Forms allows for an interactive Think-Pair-Share experience. Initially, students individually think about a question and submit their answer via the poll or quiz. Pairs can then be formed for students to debate their choices in breakout rooms or chat functions. The session culminates in reviewing the poll or quiz results together, sparking a class-wide discussion.
Practical Tips for Success
– Prepare Students: Ensure students understand their roles and expectations in each phase of Think-Pair-Share, especially in a remote environment.
– Provide Clear Instructions: When tasks are assigned within Think-Pair-Share, clear, concise instructions are crucial to avoid confusion and ensure the activity’s smooth flow.
– Foster a Supportive Atmosphere: Remote learning can feel isolating. Encourage respect and open-mindedness during the Pair and Share phases to promote a safe environment for idea exchange.
– Leverage Technology Wisely: Choose the right technological tools that best match your educational objectives and the comfort level of your students.
Conclusion
Adapting Think-Pair-Share for remote learning not only preserves but can enhance the collaborative spirit of this technique. By leveraging technology creatively, educators can foster an engaging and interactive online learning environment. This adaptation process requires thoughtful planning and flexibility but ultimately enriches the remote educational experience, promoting deeper understanding and connectivity among students, even across the digital divide. Embracing these adaptations, educators can pivot the challenges of remote learning into opportunities for innovative collaboration and learning.