Think/Pair/Share/Square
This activity shows a way to use writing in a course and also asks students to work collaboratively. The process takes about 30 minutes, though 45 minutes is better to allow for ample discussion and reflection on the process.
The activity begins with a writing prompt where each individual thinks on the page. They are then paired and the two people rethink their 'think' in relation to the second prompt. They are then squared and the group of four rethinks their previous two responses in relation to the third prompt. Finally the share is the whole group discussion.
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Demonstration 1: in which a group used T/P/S/S as a way to examine "Goals and Concerns of Writing Across the Curriculum."
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Demonstration 2: in which a group used T/P/S/S as a way to examine the intersection of literacy and the social sciences.
The directions below make reference to the attached chart.
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Individual participants fill in the "Think" box (top left).
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Each participant pairs with another and in the second box (top right) they BOTH identify one concern and one success for their pair.
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We square the groups so there are 4 people and in the bottom left box they prioritize, as a group, some of the issues (either successful or concerns).
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We come back as a large group and share our thinking NOW about some of the possibilities. There is a possibility that it can become a complaint session about problems, but my hope is they will take the hint that we are also after some creative thinking from them about potential/creative ways of thinking about writing.
The directions below make reference to the attached chart.
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Individuals fill out top left square.
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Pairs discuss and fill out an answer for top right square.
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Square (2 pairs) discuss and respond to bottom left square.
- Whole group share of prompt in bottom left square.