Jigsaw learning technique

Jigsaw is a cooperative learning method that brings about both individual accountability and achievement of the team goals. This processes derive its name from the jigsaw puzzle as this process involves in putting the parts of the assignment together to form a whole picture of the assignment which is similar to the jigsaw puzzle. The assignment is divided into parts and the class is also divided into the same number of groups as that of the assignment. Each of these group is given a different topic and allowed to learn about it. These groups are shuffled to form new groups consisting of members from each group.

Steps involved in Jigsaw learning

First Approach

• Divide the assignment or daily studies into 5 to 6 parts
• Divide students into smaller groups of 5 to 6 based on the number of sub topics of the assignment
• Create groups to consist of students from diverse interests and experts like gender, race, ability and ethnicity.
• Each of the groups is given a topic from the assignment to prepare for.
• Ask the respective teams to learn their respective topics and get familiar with it.
• Reshuffle groups to form a new group consisting of 1 member each from each group.
• Each of them exchange their learning with the other members of the new team.
• At the end of the session each of the members would have learnt all the topics of the assignment.

Second approach

• Another approach would be to select champions from each group.
• 1 student each is selected from their respective teams as champion members.
• Ask each of these champion group members to explain their concept to their respective groups.
• Champion group members have to float from group to group and explain their ideas to the groups.
• At the end of this session all the groups would have learnt all the topics.

Application

• Jigsaw method engages students with course material.
• Students develop self-teaching skills and also peer teaching skills.
• Students learn team work by interacting with peers.
• They develop sense of responsibility for their own learning.
• Creates positive interdependency and improves student attitude towards school and each other.
• Students show individual accountability by understanding well enough the subject to teach others.
• Students develop group problem solving ability to achieve group goals.
• Promotes cooperation, active learning and valuing all student’s contribution.
• This is a versatile method that can be used in labs, field work, classroom etc

Limitation

• Transfer of knowledge depends on the learner’s depth of knowledge.
• Students do not show interest.