Tip #17: The 10 Minute Rule

Posted by Marcia No Commented Thursday, July 16th, 2009

new-picture Remember the 10 minute rule: stop lecturing after 10 minutes and give your learners a chance to review and apply it.

Pair-shares and small group discussions are fast and fun ways to increase interaction and get your learners talking about the topic. Studies show that interaction increases their retention level.

Here are some tried-and-true statements you can use to kick off the discussions when pair-shares are appropriate:

Tell your partner the 3 most important things you’ve just learned.
Make a drawing representing the idea or concept that you consider most important, then share it with your partner.
Tell your partner the one way will use this information.
Write down one word that captures the essence of what you think is the most critical point, then share it with your partner.
Write down one word that captures the essence of what you think is critical to remember; share it with your partner.

Fun ways to form pairs:

Find your “sole” mate (has shoes like yours)
Longest hair/shortest hair
Similar color shirt or top
Fewest pets/most pets
Traveled longest/shortest distance
Newest/oldest car
Newest/oldest house
Fewest/most books read this year
Wearing most/least jewelry
Most/least credit cards in wallet
Matching post cards or photographs

Small groups are used to discuss the pros and cons, barriers and benefits, or how they will apply the information on the job. It is a good idea to have your questions or statement prepared ahead of time.

Fun ways to form groups: