Sample Strategies

Think-Pair-Share

The instructor poses a question, preferably one demanding analysis, evaluation, or synthesis, and gives learners a few moments to think through an appropriate response. This time could also be spent writing. Students then turn to a partner and share their responses. Then student responses can be shared with a larger group, or with the entire class, in a follow-up discussion. This technique improves the calibre of discussion, and students can learn by reflection and verbalization. This is a versatile technique and does not require a large amount of time.

Numbered Heads Together

Members of learning teams, usually composed of four individuals, count off: 1, 2, 3, and 4. The instructor poses a question, students discuss the question, and then the instructor calls a specific number and the designated team member responds as the group spokesperson. Students benefit from verbalization, and the peer coaching helps both the high and low achievers. All students are actively involved and all team members have a vested interest in understanding the appropriate response. This technique helps all learners contribute to the class discussion.

Roundtable

The students write in turn on a single pad of paper, stating their ideas aloud as they write. As they write, more and more information is added until various aspects of the topic are explored.

Jigsaw

The instructor divides an assignment or topic into multiple parts, with each section being assigned to either an individual (small courses/groups) or subgroups. Each person or subgroup is given a different aspect of the problem, question, or issue. If in small subgroups, they will work together to master their portion of the material and determine the best way to help each other learn it. Then they will present back to the whole group. If this is done with individuals, they will then each teach their portion of the material back to their group.

When used properly, the group as a whole is dependent on several subgroups (or individuals), with each group providing a piece of the puzzle. Make sure you carefully define the limits of what each group will contribute to the topic being explored.