Think-Pair-Share

Think-Pair-Share

Individual reflection, then partner discussion, then class share-out

10–20 min8–40 studentsStandard classroom seating; students turn to a neighbor

At a Glance

Duration

10–20 min

Group Size

8–40 students

Space Setup

Standard classroom seating; students turn to a neighbor

Materials

  • Discussion prompt (projected or printed)
  • Optional: recording sheet for pairs

Bloom's Taxonomy

UnderstandApplyAnalyze

SEL Competencies

Self-AwarenessRelationship Skills

What is Think-Pair-Share?

Think-Pair-Share (TPS) is a collaborative learning strategy that improves student engagement and comprehension by providing structured processing time before public sharing. By requiring individual reflection followed by peer-to-peer dialogue, TPS lowers the affective filter and increases the quality of classroom discourse compared to traditional cold-calling. This methodology works because it leverages the 'wait time' effect, allowing students to retrieve information and rehearse their responses in a low-stakes environment. This scaffolding is particularly effective for English Language Learners and introverted students who may otherwise opt out of whole-class discussions. Beyond simple participation, TPS facilitates social construction of knowledge as students must negotiate meaning with a partner to synthesize a joint response. The strategy is highly versatile, serving as a formative assessment tool that provides teachers with immediate insights into student misconceptions during the 'Pair' phase. Ultimately, TPS transforms the classroom from a teacher-centered lecture into an active learning environment where every student is cognitively engaged simultaneously.

Ideal for

Quick formative checksProcessing new informationBuilding confidence before whole-class discussionEncouraging participation from all students

When to Use It

Grade Bands

K-2 ✓3-5 ★6-8 ★9-12 ★

Subject Fit

Math ★ELA ★Science ★Social Studies ★SEL ★Arts ✓

How to Run a Think-Pair-Share

1

Pose a High-Level Question

Ask an open-ended question that requires analysis or evaluation rather than a simple factual recall.

2

Enforce Silent Think Time

Provide 60-90 seconds of absolute silence for students to process the question and jot down initial thoughts or sketches.

3

Assign or Confirm Pairs

Direct students to turn to a predetermined elbow partner to ensure every student has a designated collaborator.

4

Facilitate the Pair Discussion

Instruct pairs to compare their ideas and look for commonalities or differences, while you circulate to monitor the quality of talk.

5

Monitor and Scribe

Listen for insightful comments or common errors during the pair phase to strategically select which students will share with the whole group.

6

Conduct Whole-Class Share

Invite pairs to share their synthesized thoughts with the class, using techniques like 'calling on a partner' to report what their peer said.

Research Evidence

Lyman, F. T.

1981 · Mainstreaming Digest, University of Maryland, 109-113

Introduced the TPS model, demonstrating that providing structured thinking time significantly increases the number of students willing to participate in whole-class discussions.

Kothiyal, A., Majumdar, R., Murthy, S., Iyer, S.

2013 · Proceedings of the Ninth Annual International ACM Conference on International Computing Education Research, 37-44

Quantitative analysis showed that TPS significantly improves student engagement and learning outcomes in complex technical subjects compared to traditional lecture formats.

Prahl, K.

2017 · Journal of College Science Teaching, 46(5), 34-39

Research indicates that the 'Think' phase is the most critical component; without it, the 'Pair' phase often results in one student dominating the conversation.

Topics That Work Well With Think-Pair-Share

Browse curriculum topics where Think-Pair-Share is a suggested active learning strategy.

Genetics and the Continuity of Life

Mendelian Genetics

5th Year · The Living World: Senior Cycle Biology

Genetics and the Code of Life

Patterns of Inheritance

6th Year · The Living World: Foundations of Biology

Chemical Bonding and Molecular Geometry

Ionic and Covalent Bonding

5th Year · Foundations of Matter and Chemical Change

Thermochemistry and Rates of Reaction

Collision Theory

5th Year · Foundations of Matter and Chemical Change

Stoichiometry and the Mole Concept

The Mole and Molar Mass

6th Year · Advanced Chemical Principles and Molecular Dynamics

The Individual and the Community

Belonging and Identity

1st Year · Active Citizenship and the Democratic World

The Architecture of Democracy

The President and the Constitution

2nd Year · Active Citizenship and the Democratic State

The Power of Oral Language

Active Listening and Turn Taking

1st Class · Foundations of Literacy and Expression

Exploring Narrative Worlds

Setting and Atmosphere

1st Class · Foundations of Literacy and Expression

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Think-Pair-Share and how does it work?
Think-Pair-Share is a three-step active learning strategy where students think individually, discuss ideas with a partner, and then share findings with the class. It works by providing essential processing time that increases the depth and frequency of student participation.
What are the benefits of Think-Pair-Share for students?
The primary benefits include increased confidence, improved retention of material, and the development of collaborative communication skills. It allows students to test their ideas in a safe, small-group setting before presenting to the entire group.
How do I use Think-Pair-Share in my classroom effectively?
To use it effectively, ensure you pose open-ended questions and strictly enforce the individual 'Think' time. Walking around during the 'Pair' phase allows you to identify common misconceptions and select specific pairs to share out during the final phase.
How long should each phase of Think-Pair-Share last?
Timing varies by complexity, but generally, 1-2 minutes for thinking, 2-3 minutes for pairing, and 5 minutes for sharing is effective. Keeping the pace brisk prevents off-task behavior and maintains high energy levels in the classroom.
How does Think-Pair-Share support English Language Learners (ELLs)?
It supports ELLs by providing a low-anxiety opportunity to practice oral language with a single peer before speaking in front of the class. This rehearsal time helps them bridge the gap between internal thought and external expression in a second language.

Generate a Mission with Think-Pair-Share

Use Flip Education to create a complete Think-Pair-Share lesson plan, aligned to your curriculum and ready to use in class.

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