Pairs Check
Activity: Pairs Check
Time: 5-20 minutes
Uses:
Allows students to review work with a peer and provides an opportunity for students to communicate their thinking to students.
Process:
- Ask each student to pair up with another student
- Each pair will have a student A and a student B.
- Give each pair a set of problems.
- In pairs, student A will do the first problem explaining the steps to student B, while student B acts as a coach. When the pair agrees on the solution, they move to the next problem.
- Next, student B does the next problem, explaining the steps, while student A acts as a coach. They agree on the solution.
- Ask pairs, when finished with two problems, to pair up with another pair of students. Both pairs (4 students) must agree on the solutions to the first two problems.
- The process is repeated for additional problems.
Uses:
- It is a good way for shyer or more reticent students, in particular, to take the time to express their thoughts and questions.
- It is low risk for shy or passive students or students who may lack confidence.
- It gives students the opportunity to verbalize their thought processes while explaining the steps.
- It allows students to learn from one another.
Variations:
- Have students do exercises individually before class. One student explains his/her answer on a question to another student, and they discuss it. Then, they reverse roles for the next question. Answers are agreed upon before sharing with the whole team.
- Teammates help each other understand answers to exercises so that any member of the team may be called upon to answer any one of the questions.
Additional Information:
Kagan Strategy: Pairs Check
http://naeaworkspace.org/presentations/9.Pairs%20Check.pdf
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