scoopful of pedagogical tips for teachers - pair discussion

Scoopful of pedagogical tips for teachers

Pair discussion© Learning Scoop – co-operative learning

Partners in pair discussion help each other in their learning: by discussing, by revising and testing each other on the subjects that have been covered or by learning new subjects together.The two people in the pair need each other in their learning and both are responsible for their own as well as their partner’s learning.

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Pair discussion

Instructions1. Divide students into

pairs. Use strings, cards or different coloured tabs. Or let students pick their own partner.


Instructions2. Give the task to the

pairs. For example:Ask each other the two and the four times tables. The person asking may use a book for help. Remember to take turns asking each other.


Instructions3. Circulate through the

class and listen to the students’ conversations. Guide, help and support as needed. Give students encouraging feedback.


It increases interaction in the class.It is easy and quick to do.It can be adapted to many subjects. Each student gets attention and can participate.More advanced students can be leveraged. It gives quiet and shy students an opportunity to participate in a safe way.


The benefits of pair discussion

Activating students to discuss the topic related to the subject.

Revising previous material / mapping pre-existing knowledge.

Assessing homework.

Practicing something new being learned.


Where can pair discussion be used?

Language learning: pairs can test each other on vocabulary, tenses and other grammar topics.Subjects: pairs can have different texts and they can teach each other what is in their texts.Mathematics: pairs can test each other on calculations or both can solve their own calculations and then explain them to the other partner. Literature: partner reading, pairs can read out loud to each other.


Examples of pair discussion


Providing variety

Not all pairs have to have the same tasks. The teacher can

give different tasks to different pairs depending on the students’ abilities and individual requirements.


Inspiration from Finland!

Scoopful of pedagogical tips for teachers:

learningscoop.fi/tips-for-teachers

Authors:Elina Harju

Johanna Järvinen-TaubertPäivi Valtonen


scoopful of pedagogical tips for teachers - pair discussion

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