Numbered Heads Together

Numbered Heads Together Checklist

1. EXPLAIN THE PURPOSE: Let students know that they will be working in groups to ensure everyone understands the material or knows the correct answer. Encourage them to think about ways they can support each other (quizzing one another, asking someone to rephrase an answer or having group members explain why an answer is correct).

2. FORMING GROUPS: Arrange students into groups of 3 to 5 using your preferred grouping strategy.

3. ASSIGN NUMBERS: Have each student in the group number off. For example, in a group of four, students will number themselves 1–4.

4. VERIFY GROUP SETUP: To make sure everyone’s on the same page, ask all the students with the same number (e.g., all 1s, 2s, etc.) to raise their hands when you prompt them.

5. DISCUSSION TIME: Present a question or topic for discussion. Next, students will put their heads together to discuss the answer and ensure everyone in the group thoroughly understands.  To help facilitate discussion, consider adding a qualifier to determine who speaks first (birthday closes to today, for example) and then share counterclockwise. 

6. SHARE WITH CLASS: Randomly call out a number, and ask the students with that number to step forward or stand up. These students will then share their group’s answers with the class.

7. REPEAT WITH NEW QUESTIONS: Continue the process with new questions or topics to discuss. 

• Form larger groups of students to provide more opportunities for students to hear responses if they are unable to make connections or respond on their own.

• Have students write answers on a whiteboard or notebook before sharing them with the group. 

• Use a random number generator or online dice to select the speaker.

• Have students share their answers digitally on a shared Google Doc, Padlet, or other media platform.