Module 1: Pair Sharing

Hiking is much more fun when done with someone else. I may have to go in a different direction or go at a different speed, but that leads to more interesting hikes. When students work in pairs one person is listening while the other partner is discussing the question under investigation. Both are developing valuable problem solving skills by formulating their ideas, discussing them, receiving immediate feedback and responding to questions and comments (David Johnson, 1971).

We use the term “pair” loosely. This category of collaborative learning involves a quick sharing of information and ideas between 2 or more people, does not require too much time or preparation, and only needs a few competencies. However, it is really important that students have practice in these skills to have a good foundation for group and team learning.

COMPETENCIES

There are three main competencies that students need to practice to work in pairs successfully. Make these competencies transparent to the students and encourage them to practice them, especially while working collaboratively. Click on these boxes to see some activities and try to integrate some of them into the class content.

Interpersonal

Interdependence

Communication

BEST PRACTICES

Rationale. So many times we, as instructors, do a lot of the thinking work for our students. . Asking a student to do an activity with a partner reinforces concepts even more. Working in pairs allows more students to voice their opinions, explain their ideas and get feedback on an individual basis.

Course Design. Pair activities are best when scattered throughout the lecture. Punctuating our lectures with activities that allow students to share and brainstorm and reflect helps them to integrate the knowledge into their own schema.

Developing Activities. Activities can include:

Giving/getting feedback
Explaining/articulating ideas and arguments
Sharing experiences and generating ideas

Assessment. Many pair activities will only be assessed on an informal basis. Helping the students awareness of the value of respect and good communication is very important. If a product is the result of an activity it may have feedback from peers or from the instructor, and participation points in the grade book.

Reading for more information Learn about group activities