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Explain to a Partner

Overview

Students explain a word or idea to a partner, using any language or method that helps understanding.

Learning Objective
Students support each other’s understanding by explaining ideas in different ways or languages.

Resources needed

  • None

Lesson stages

0 / 8 done
  1. 1 Introduce a simple word or idea and check that some students understand it.
  2. 2 Explain that students will help each other understand by explaining the idea in their own way.
  3. 3 Put students into pairs, ideally mixing stronger and weaker language users.
  4. 4 Ask one student to explain the word using simple language, examples, or their home language if needed.
  5. 5 Encourage the partner to ask questions if they do not understand.
  6. 6 After a short time, ask pairs to change roles with a new word or idea.
  7. 7 Walk around and support students who need help explaining or understanding.
  8. 8 Finish by asking students what helped them understand best.

Tap a step to mark it as done.

Variations

  • Use short sentences instead of single words.
  • Small group version.
  • Student-chosen words.
More information

Teach: explain, understand, example, meaning.

Allow gestures and home language use.

Can students help each other understand meaning?

No materials needed.

Students think only one language should be used.

Peer explanation strengthens both understanding and confidence.