International schools bring together students from diverse language, cultural, and academic backgrounds, presenting both challenges and opportunities for educators. One highly effective strategy for engaging all students, regardless of their English proficiency or academic ability, is Think-Pair-Share (TPS). Think, Pair, Share is a collaborative learning strategy that encourages student engagement and discussion:
This structured approach breaks down participation barriers, builds confidence, and fosters collaboration, all vital skills every educator tries to instill in their students. Having used TPS extensively, I have seen how it creates an inclusive learning environment where every student can thrive.
1. Breaking Down Participation Barriers
One of the challenges in international classrooms is ensuring that all students feel comfortable contributing. Many English as an Additional Language (EAL) learners find speaking in front of the class intimidating, while students who lack confidence in their academic ability may hesitate for fear of making mistakes.
TPS provides a structure that alleviates this anxiety. By allowing students time to think independently before discussing with a partner, it ensures that every child can prepare a response. This process not only builds confidence but also enables quieter, shy students to find their voice in the classroom.
2. Boosting Confidence and Language Skills
TPS significantly enhances students’ confidence and language development. A student excelling in mathematics but struggling with English, for example, may find it difficult to articulate reasoning in class discussions. However, when given the opportunity to share ideas with a partner before speaking to the whole class, such students can refine their explanations and gain confidence in expressing themselves.
Conversely, students more proficient in English but less confident in subjects like math benefit from explaining concepts to a partner, reinforcing their own understanding while developing subject-specific vocabulary. This reciprocal learning dynamic is one of TPS’s greatest strengths—it enables students to support each other’s growth.
3. Enhancing Collaboration and Peer Learning
Collaboration is at the heart of effective learning, and TPS encourages meaningful peer-to-peer interaction. In international classrooms, where students bring diverse cultural learning experiences and educational backgrounds, peer learning can be particularly powerful. Different views emerge, improving the quality of discussions and broadening students’ understanding of the content.
For example, during a history lesson on the Romans, Year 4 students were asked to consider why the Roman army was so effective. Each student initially formed their own response, then paired up to discuss before sharing ideas with the class. One student, who had recently moved from a country with a strong military tradition, made connections between modern strategies and Roman tactics—insights that may not have surfaced in a traditional whole-class discussion. Such exchanges deepen learning and foster a greater appreciation of diverse perspectives.
4. Supporting Higher-Order Thinking Skills
TPS not only encourages participation but also develops higher-order thinking skills. When students justify their ideas with a partner before sharing with the class, they engage in analysis, evaluation, and reflection.
In math, TPS challenges high-ability students by requiring them to explain their reasoning to a peer. If they can articulate their thought process clearly and respond to questions, it demonstrates a deeper level of understanding. Likewise, those who initially struggle with a concept often find that discussing it with a partner helps clarify their thinking, ultimately improving their grasp of the subject.
5. Making Learning Accessible for All
A common misconception is that TPS primarily benefits lower-ability students or EAL learners. In reality, it provides a framework that supports all learners. By ensuring that every student has a chance to contribute, TPS creates an environment where no one is left behind.
During a science lesson on states of matter, a typically reluctant student was paired with a more confident peer. After their discussion, the student not only shared his answer with the class but also built on his partner’s response, demonstrating a deeper understanding of the topic. This highlighted how, given the right structure, all students can engage meaningfully in their learning.
Conclusion
Think-Pair-Share is a simple yet transformative strategy that helps all students contribute, regardless of language proficiency or academic confidence. By breaking down participation barriers, fostering collaboration, and encouraging deeper thinking, TPS creates a truly inclusive learning environment.
In international schools, where diversity presents both challenges and strengths, TPS offers a practical and effective way to ensure that all students feel valued and empowered in the classroom and their learning. As educators, our goal is to help every student find their voice and potential, and TPS is an effective ways to achieve this.
