Give One Get One

What is Give One, Get One?

The Give One Get One teaching strategy is a collaborative learning technique where students actively share and acquire information from their peers. In this approach, students initially generate individual ideas, responses, or solutions to a prompt or question provided by the teacher. Following this, they pair up and share their ideas with a partner while actively listening to their partner's input. During this exchange, students give their own thoughts ("give one") and receive insights from their partner ("get one"). After this interaction, students move to new partners and repeat the process, expanding their knowledge base by contributing and collecting different perspectives. This strategy promotes active participation, encourages peer-to-peer learning, and fosters a diverse exchange of ideas within the classroom.

Why is this strategy important?

The Give One Get One teaching strategy holds significance in education as it fosters active engagement and diverse perspectives within a classroom setting. By encouraging students to both share their ideas and actively listen to their peers, this strategy promotes collaborative learning and empowers students to take ownership of their learning process. It cultivates an environment where diverse viewpoints are acknowledged and valued, enriching discussions and broadening students' perspectives. Moreover, the strategy enhances communication skills, encourages critical thinking, and reinforces the idea that learning is a collaborative endeavor, fostering a more inclusive and dynamic learning environment.

What are some steps to use this strategy?

1. Introduction of Prompt or Topic: Introduce the strategy and the topic to be studied.  Present a thought-provoking prompt, question, or topic related to the lesson or subject matter. This could be written on the board or provided in handouts.

2. Individual Reflection or Response: Give students a brief period to individually brainstorm or write down their thoughts, ideas, solutions, or responses to the prompt.

3. Pairing Up: Pair students with a partner or have them find a peer to engage with. Each student should have a chance to share their response with their partner.

4. Give One: Instruct students to share their response or idea with their partner. Encourage them to explain their perspective clearly and concisely.

5. Get One: Once the first student has shared their response, the partner listens actively and receives this information ("gets one"). They might ask clarifying questions or provide their own insights based on what they've heard.

6. Rotate and Repeat: After the initial exchange, have students rotate to find new partners and repeat the process of giving and getting one. This rotation allows for a diverse exchange of ideas and perspectives.

7. Closure or Discussion: Bring the class back together for a discussion or reflection on the variety of perspectives shared. Encourage students to reflect on what they've learned or the different viewpoints they've encountered.