Beyond Think-Pair-Share: A Quick Guide to Effective Collaboration

This book provides practical strategies to help K-12 students work in pairs and groups more effectively, build collegial peer relationships, learn to share tasks, and hold deeper discussions. It includes an appendix of resources and classroom tools.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 106 pages
Publication date: 27 October 2020
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

This book is a valuable resource for educators who want to foster effective collaboration among their K-12 students. By providing practical strategies and an appendix of resources,Christina M. Krantz and Laura Gullette Smith help teachers create a classroom environment that encourages teamwork and deep learning.

Introduction:
Collaboration is an essential skill for students to develop in today's world, and it is particularly important in the classroom. However, traditional Think-Pair-Share models may not always be effective in fostering true collaboration among K-12 students. In this book, Christina M. Krantz and Laura Gullette Smith, experienced social workers and classroom teachers, offer refreshing solutions to the problems that can occur with these models.

The Problems with Traditional Think-Pair-Share Models:
Traditional Think-Pair-Share models often rely on students working in pairs or groups and sharing their ideas with the rest of the class. While this approach can be effective in some cases, it can also lead to several problems. First, students may struggle to work effectively in pairs or groups, especially if they are not familiar with each other. This can result in a lack of communication, uneven participation, and limited collaboration.

Second, traditional Think-Pair-Share models may not encourage students to engage in deep, meaningful discussions. Students may be more focused on getting their ideas out rather than listening to and learning from their peers. This can lead to a superficial understanding of the topic and a lack of critical thinking skills.

Third, traditional Think-Pair-Share models may not be inclusive of all students. Some students may feel left out or excluded if they are not comfortable working in pairs or groups or if they do not have the same level of knowledge or skills as their peers.

Refreshing Solutions:
To address these problems, Christina M. Krantz and Laura Gullette Smith offer refreshing solutions in their book. They provide practical strategies to help students build collegial peer relationships, learn to share tasks, and hold deeper discussions.

Building Collegial Peer Relationships:
One of the key strategies that the authors suggest is building collegial peer relationships. They argue that students who work in pairs or groups with their peers are more likely to engage in meaningful discussions and build strong relationships. The authors provide practical strategies to help students connect with their peers, such as using icebreakers, group activities, and collaborative projects.

Learning to Share Tasks:
Another important strategy that the authors suggest is learning to share tasks. They argue that students who work in pairs or groups are more likely to complete tasks more efficiently and effectively. The authors provide practical strategies to help students learn to share tasks, such as assigning roles, setting deadlines, and monitoring progress.

Holding Deeper Discussions:
The authors also suggest holding deeper discussions in pairs or groups. They argue that students who engage in deeper discussions are more likely to develop critical thinking skills and a deeper understanding of the topic. The authors provide practical strategies to help students hold deeper discussions, such as using open-ended questions, encouraging students to share their perspectives, and using visual aids.

Conclusion:
This book is a valuable resource for educators who want to foster effective collaboration among their K-12 students. By providing practical strategies and an appendix of resources, Christina M. Krantz and Laura Gullette Smith help teachers create a classroom environment that encourages teamwork and deep learning. Educators who implement the strategies suggested in this book will be able to help their students develop the skills they need to succeed in today's world.

Weight: 188g
Dimension: 151 x 228 x 10 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780367374549