Description: Teacher poses a question, gives students time to think, then pairs them with a partner to discuss their ideas. After pairs discuss student share ideas in groups or with whole class.
Rationale: Students have a chance to think and share ideas, modify them or construct new knowledge in a non-threatening way. Communicating thoughts often helps students sort out their ideas. When then asked to share with the larger group they will be more willing to respond and the quality of responses will improve. Responses give the teacher feedback on student thinking.