It is so important to provide students with a variety of learning experiences in order to meet the needs of different learning styles and to keep students engaged. Students engage in various activities individually, in pairs, in small groups, and as a whole class. In my eighth grade math classes, one of my favorite ways to group my students is in pairs. I have found significant benefits to this setup through the years. Here are my top 5:
1 – Peer Teaching
Peer teaching is such an incredible
mutually beneficial tool. I group and
pair students in a variety of ways. One
method involves matching a struggling learner with a student that has a strong
understanding of the current topic. The
struggling learner benefits from hearing an additional explanation, or perhaps
a different perspective, and the high-flyer develops a stronger understanding
of the material by having to explain the concept aloud in their own words. Win-Win.
2 – Increased
Confidence
The Think-Pair-Share model is
fantastic for increasing student confidence in the classroom. Without the “pair,” I have often found it
difficult to find volunteers who are willing to share their ideas. However, once students have had a chance to
compare and discuss their ideas with their neighbor, many more hands end up in
the air. The extra step of confirming that
their own thought process is on the right track can sometimes be just enough of
a push needed to boost participation.
3 – Increased
Class Engagement
In a whole class discussion, most
students are listening while one individual at a time shares their ideas. Although there is a time and a place for this
model, a disadvantage is that many students will be minimally engaged, if not
completely disengaged. On the other
hand, allowing students to chat about a topic with a partner increases
classroom participation because many students are able to talk at once. All students can be engaged in meaningful
conversation about the selected topic at the same time. Often I'll say, "Now take 30 seconds to explain <insert math concept> to your partner." Everyone talks at once, and I can listen in on specific conversations.
4 – Break from
Direct Instruction
Much of my Accelerated Algebra 1
class consists of direct instruction.
Students take notes, try practice problems, then practice some more at
home. I often use frequent partner
check-ins during class to break up the traditional direct instruction routine. Students may be asked to explain a concept
that we have just learned to their partner in their own words. Or often times students try a practice
problem on their own, then check answers with their partner and help one
another out with any errors or misconceptions.
5 – Face-to-Face
Communication
Let’s face it. Face-to-face communication is not as
prevalent in the lives of our students as it has been in ours. With the rise in social media, many students
text, Snapchat, Instagram, tweet, etc with their friends. Working with a partner, requires use of
verbal communication skills that are still imperative in today’s world. I also love that students may need to branch
out and interact with students they would not necessarily talk to outside of
class.
Your turn! How do you use partners in your
classroom?
What other advantages have you
witnessed?
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