Think-pair-share is a simple structure created by Frank Lyman and colleagues at the University of Maryland in the early 1980s. It takes only a few minutes and works at any age.
The three steps 1. Think. The teacher poses a question and gives pupils a minute or so to think silently, or to jot down an answer. 2. Pair. Pupils turn to a partner and compare answers, ask each other questions and agree what to say. 3. Share. The teacher picks pairs to share with the class, or the class votes or compares.
Why it helps - Thinking time. Many pupils need time to form an answer; a hand shot up in two seconds is not the only way to find out. - Everyone talks. In a class of thirty, a whole-class question lets a handful respond. In pairs, every child speaks. - Rehearsal. Saying an answer to a partner first makes it easier to say to the class, which helps shy pupils and those learning English. - Better answers. Pupils refine their ideas in conversation. - Quick check. The teacher hears what pupils think.
The EEF's summaries of collaborative learning and oral language interventions both show positive average effects for structured talk.