Jigsaw

Strategy sheet #3 Introduction: Jigsaw is a cooperative learning strategy that has been used for over thirty years. Professor Elliot Aronson and his graduate students from the University of Texas invented this technique in 1971 out of need due to rising hostility among students in Austin, Texas during desegregation. The idea behind the jigsaw technique is this: Just as in a jigsaw puzzle, each piece each students part is essential for the completion and full understanding of the final product. If each students part is essential, then each student is essential (Aronson, 2000). The jigsaw method can also be used to cover a large amount of material quickly, to introduce students to different perspectives on a topic, to introduce topics and create interest, and as a research strategy.

http://www.broward.k12.fl.us/ci/strategies_and_such/st rategies/jigsaw.html

Procedure according to Broward County Public Schools: 1. Students are divided up into groups. The number in each group depends on the number of subtopics. 2. Each member of the group is assigned a section or portion of the material. 3. Each student meets with the members of the other groups who have the same assigned section forming an expert group. 4. The expert group learns the material together and decides on how to teach the material to the original groups. 5. Students later return to their original groups, whose members are each now an expert in one of the different areas of the topics being studied, and teach their area of expertise to the other group members. 6. A quiz is given in the end. At that time no team members may help each other. Recommendations: Develop an expert sheet and a quiz for each unit of teaching. First, divide the content into topics for the expert sheets. The expert sheet should communicate what students should do read, watch a video, do an activity and an outline of the topic in the form of questions (AEA 7, n.d.).

Jill Parker Jill_parker@ceo.cudenver.edu

Encourage students to use a variety of teaching methods. They can demonstrate an idea; read a report; use the computer; illustrate their ideas with photographs, diagrams, charts, and drawings (AEA 7, n.d.). Encourage team members to discuss the reports and ask questions; each member of the team is responsible for learning about all of the subtopics (AEA 7, n.d.). Think through the management of the activity. "How will groups be put together? How will you be sure that each jigsaw group will have one of each of the home groups? Who is doing what during the activity? How will the class move when it is time to switch groups? Thinking through the organization and being sure there is something for each member of the group to do is essential(Bafile, 2001). Disadvantage Uneven time in expert groups Students must be trained in this method of learning. Requires an equal number of groups. Classroom management can become a problem.

Advantage/disadvantage: Advantage It is an efficient way to learn the material. Builds a depth of knowledge Discloses a student's own understanding and resolves misunderstanding Builds on conceptual understanding Develops teamwork and cooperative working skills (Broward County, n.d.)

Effectiveness: I used the Jigsaw technique to introduce the vocabulary words and concepts that will be used when the students design and build balloon cars. I also used it for each student to be an expert on one particular part of the car. Although my students are accustomed to working in groups, they still needed help with this type structure. The worksheets that I had made for each group helped immensely. I was able to redirect the students attention back to the worksheet. I do believe the students gained more information from the vocabulary and concepts by this strategy than if they would have gotten it from direct teaching. Having to learn a portion of it themselves and teach it to others is powerful. On their quiz, all but three students received a 90% or higher. Granted they were allowed to use their notes, the real test will come when they have their final written evaluation. I see the value in this teaching strategy. Each student has something to contribute and they must do so. Every student receives attention from the group. Not one student complained about their group. It does take preparation, practice and patience, but it is worth it. Bibliography: Jill Parker Jill_parker@ceo.cudenver.edu

Aronson, Elliott, (2000) The Jigsaw Classroom. Retrieved October 10, 2003, from Jigsaw.org: http://www.jigsaw.org/overview.htm http://www.jigsaw.org/history.htm Bafile, Cara, (2001). The Jigsaw Approach brings Lessons to Life. Retrieved October 10, 2003 from Education-world.com: http://www.education-world.com/a_curr/curr324.shtml Area Education Agency 7, (n.d.). Jigsaw II. Retrieved October 10, 2003 from http://edservices.aea7.k12.ia.us/framework/strategies/jigsaw.pdf Broward County Public Schools, Jigsaw. Retrieved October 10, 2003 from: http://www.broward.k12.fl.us/ci/strategies_and_such/strategies/jigsaw.html

Jill Parker Jill_parker@ceo.cudenver.edu