Think - Pair - Share

The Think-Pair-Share, strategy, is a method that allows all students in the classroom, whether they be shy or outgoing, to actively engage in their learning and demonstrate it, through thinking and discussing.

This strategy simply asks two or more students to work together to solve and discuss a problem or assignment.

The accountability comes in by reinforcing that students MUST focus and pay attention, because they are preparing to share their gained knowledge of this assignment. It promotes confidence by taking away the fear of having to discuss with the entire classroom, instead, only focusing on discussing with one or two other classmates. I remember, always having wonderful ideas and questions but being too intimated to speak up in class.

This method is a great tool for ELL learners, specifically, because it allows them to practice their English in a 'safe' environment, thus promoting confidence (the more they practice, the better they get and feel about speaking English).

This strategy can be used for every topic in the classroom. In math, it's a great way to pair up students, give each student the problem and have them present their results, also allowing them to ask for help and teach one another if and when needed.
In reading, it a wonderful way for two students to each read the same story, reflect on the summary and then share them, seeing how close in relation they come. This method also works for science projects, and quizzing one another for history exams. The list goes on and on.

I see myself using this method often in my future classroom.