Definition

The jigsaw technique is a method of organizing classroom activity that makes students dependent on each other to succeed.

It's a method to engage active learning.

Why?

• Teaches empathy skill

• Increases group cohesion
  • Students like each other more because they can learn from each other

• Increases classroom efficiency

• Close achievement gaps between low-performing students and high-performing students

• The only way to learn material is by relying on classmates (positive interdependence)

How to?

Do

• Example steps
  • Divide learning material into 4 parts, make classroom groups of 4 each (jigsaw groups). Each group with ideally 3-4 people (Lou et al, 1996: Within class grouping: a meta-analysis)
  • Give reading material on each part to one and only one student in each group. Students read material (Expectation setting)
  • Students form expert groups of others with the same material and discuss. Teachers clear misconceptions. (Guided discovery)
  • Students go back to their jigsaw group to teach each other their parts. (Empathy)
  • Every student takes a written test on the whole material.

• Watch and see who needs help

• Clear misconceptions

• Help students see value in cooperation by showing

Do NOT

• Preach cooperation

• Teach directly