A “pair share” is an educational training technique that can be used with any subject matter and works well as a review activity. Originally introduced by Frank Lyman, a pair share gives adult learners the opportunity to reflect and discuss training concepts aloud with other adult learners.
What is a Pair Share?
A pair share, also known as “think, pair, share” is simply a conversation between two people that is focused on an educational training topic or question. First, learners find partners. Next each person in the pair takes a turn to answer a question, complete a statement or discuss any directions given by the instructor.
Pair Share as a Review Activity
After presenting new information or after learners practice new skills, educational trainers can use a pair share as a way for adult learners to review the training topic. Trainers can ask a simple question that aligns with the main training objectives so that learners are hearing the same information again, but from their own words and the words of their pair share partners.
A pair share can also be used to give adult learners the opportunity to reflect differently on the learning topic, further explore a topic or apply a concept in a different way. Pair share review activities are not limited to only answering one question at a time. The pair share training technique can be structured so that learners first answer a simple review question and secondly explore the reviewed information more thoroughly.
After pairs have finished sharing, trainers can ask for a few volunteers to share their answers with the entire training group. This allows trainers to check for understanding from learners and for learners to hear how others answered the training question.
How to Lead a Pair Share as a Review Activity
A pair share is a versatile training technique that works off a basic formula. Learners think, then pair with a partner, then share. Adult trainers have found creative ways to make pair shares look and feel different so that several pair shares can be used in the same educational training. One way for trainers to start a pair share is to ask learners to find a partner and introduce themselves to each other. Following introductions, trainers pose a question to learners and allow five to sixty seconds for learners to think of their answers. Then trainers instruct learners to pair and verbally share their answers with each other.
Examples of Review Activity Questions/Instructions for Pair Shares
Review activity questions and instructions for pair shares will be different depending on the training topic. Trainers can refer to the specific objectives for a educational training to create questions and instructions that will allow adult learners to review training topics.
- For fire safety education: “What is one way to contain a fire on a stove top?”
- For dietary education: “What are two foods that are high in antioxidants?”
- For child care education: “Name three art activities that develop fine motor skills.”
- For sexual harassment on the job training: “Give two examples that would be classified as sexual harassment at work.”
To help adult learners review any educational training topic, trainers can create a pair share to use as a training technique. A pair share serves as a simple, yet effective review activity that engages adult learners through answering questions, sharing aloud and listening to others.
References:
Bowman, Sharon. Presenting with Pizzaz. NV: Bowperson Publishing Company, 1997
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