This webinar, led by Diana Theisinger, focused on the “Change One Thing” series, inspired by Professor Paul Heideman’s teaching strategies at William and Mary. The main topic was the “Think, Engage, Explain” method, a variation of the “Think, Pair, Share” strategy.

The “Think, Engage, Explain” method is designed for large classes and involves:

• Presenting students with a question or problem
• Having them discuss with a partner
• Optionally showing a summary slide for self-checking

This approach offers several benefits:

• Saves time compared to traditional “Think, Pair, Share”
• Encourages active learning and engagement
• Helps students confront gaps in their knowledge
• Strengthens neural pathways through explanation
• Generates better, more relevant questions

The webinar also covered implementation tips, such as explaining the purpose to students and accommodating those who prefer not to participate verbally. This strategy works well in large classes, with limited time, and when students seem hesitant to ask questions.