When pair programming, assign roles and computers to avoid unnecessary pair negotiations.

Students tend to prefer to be the driver. Assign which student will start in each role to avoid pairs beginning with a difficult negotiation.
- Example: "The partner on the left will be the navigator first."
Oftentimes, students want to use the computer closest to them, which means that both students in a partnership might want to use a different computer. If applicable, specify which computer the students should use to avoid a negotiation about this.
- Even when they change seats each class, students often want their pair to use the computer in front of them.
- Throughout class, ensure that students’ chairs are positioned so that they can both see the computer screen.
Especially when there are more computers than pairs of students, tell students which computer they should use.
- Instead of allowing the most assertive student to use their computer, specify which computer should be used.
- Telling students which computer to use will stop students from spending time picking which computer to use.

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