Collaborative+Pairs

toc =Collaborative Pairs=

Collaborative Pairs allows students the opportunity to discuss and talk about new learning (it’s hard to get lost in a pair) and is used as a procedure for refocusing after students have reflected on the acquired knowledge.
 * 1) Give pairs a specified time frame for discussion. For example, you have 1 minute to talk with your partner. Many teachers choose to use a stop watch, kitchen timer, or even an hour glass sand dial to keep discussions within the specified time frame.
 * 2) Assign each partner a specific discussion point. For example, 1s tell 2s the three types of rocks, 2s give 1s one characteristic of each. This alleviates time being spent deciding who will talk first and keeps the second partner from repeating what the first partner has already said.
 * 3) Randomly select Collaborative Pairs to share what was discussed. For example, once you have refocused students you may ask: “What did your partner share with you?” “What did you and your partner discuss?” This builds in an accountability measure for students to stay on task as they do not know who will be called upon to share what was discussed.
 * 4) Listen to what is being said and discussed as partners work together. By moving strategically around the classroom and listening to the partner discussions, pairs are more likely to stay on task and respond appropriately to and with each other. In addition to monitoring the discussion and responses of pairs, you will also discover, if or what, you may need to revisit or re-teach.