"Turn-to-Your-Neighbor"

Active Learning Through Peer Discussion

Quick Concept

Every 10 minutes or so throughout a lecture, ask students to turn to the student next to them and discuss a question. Then randomly call on student pairs to provide the answer.

Student Level
Any Level
Class Size
3 – 100+
Ease of Use
Easy

🔄 Simple Process Flow

1
🕙

Every 10 Minutes

Pause your lecture at regular intervals to maintain engagement

2

Ask Question

Present a discussion question related to the current topic

3
👥

Turn & Discuss

Students turn to their neighbor and discuss the question together

4
🎯

Random Call

Randomly select student pairs to share their answers with the class

⏱️ Flexible Timing Guide

Discussion Duration Options

30 Seconds
1-2 Minutes
Several Minutes

Duration depends on question complexity

🎯 Key Benefits

🧠
Active Learning
Engages students who learn better in active environments rather than passive listening
🤝
Peer Support
Students help each other fill in knowledge gaps and clarify concepts
💭
Safe Discussion
Provides opportunity to ask questions they might not ask publicly in class
Immediate Engagement
Better than waiting fruitlessly for responses from the whole class

🔧 Maximum Flexibility

🎛️ Adaptable to Any Situation

  • Students don't need to move from their current seats
  • Can be modified to fit any class size
  • Discussion can be guided by the instructor
  • May only be used once per class period if needed
  • Perfect for introducing complex concepts
  • Works with any subject matter
Although some students learn best by listening, others find it easier to learn in more active learning environments. An easy solution is the use of "turn-to-your-neighbor" discussions every 10 minutes or so throughout each lecture.
— Liebman, 1996
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