Think-Pair-Timed Share (T-P-TS) is a twist on the popular Think-Pair-Share. Both ideas come from the cooperative learning genre of strategies, thanks to Spencer Kagan. The power of T-P-TS is that all students are involved in sharing – not just the verbal, confident ones. The emphasis is on equal participation, one of Kagan’s four principles of cooperative learning. Pair students heterogeneously, and arrange for the stronger student to be Person A.
Pose a question that requires students to summarize or review the content. Allow silent think time.
1. Person A shares their response to the question for 30 seconds while Person B listens.
2. Person B restates what Person A said for 20 seconds.
3. Person B shares their response to the question for 30 seconds while Person A listens.
4, Person A restates what Person B said for 20 seconds.
I like to use a visual timer so that students can be more aware of the time frame. If using a Mac, try a simple app called Timer by Ten. If you have internet access you can use Online Stopwatch for free. Timer Tools is a wonderful software with a dozen different visuals and sounds.
Originally published in January 2012