What is the jigsaw strategy in teaching?
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Harper Lee
Studied at the University of Oxford, Lives in Oxford, UK.
As an expert in educational strategies, I'm delighted to delve into the jigsaw strategy in teaching, a method that has been widely recognized for its effectiveness in fostering cooperative learning and enhancing student engagement.
The jigsaw strategy is a collaborative approach to learning where students work together to complete a task that is divided among them. This method was first introduced by Elliot Aronson in the 1970s and has since been adapted for various educational settings. The strategy is particularly useful for teaching complex subjects that require students to analyze and synthesize information from different sources.
Here's how the jigsaw strategy typically unfolds:
1. Group Formation: The teacher divides the class into small groups, typically consisting of 4 to 6 students. Each group is a microcosm of the class, with a mix of abilities and backgrounds.
2. Content Division: The subject matter is broken down into smaller, manageable parts or topics. Each group member is then assigned a specific part to become an expert in.
3. Expert Phase: During this phase, students who have been assigned the same topic across different groups come together to learn about their specific part in depth. The teacher may provide materials, facilitate discussions, or offer guidance to ensure students understand their topic thoroughly.
4. Teaching Phase: After becoming experts, students return to their original groups. Each student then teaches their part of the material to the other group members. This phase is crucial as it requires students to not only understand their topic but also to communicate it effectively to others.
5. Integration Phase: Once all parts have been taught within the group, the students work together to integrate the information. They discuss, debate, and synthesize the different pieces of information to form a comprehensive understanding of the subject.
6. Reflection and Assessment: The final stage may involve reflection on the process and assessment of the material. This could be through quizzes, discussions, or projects that allow students to demonstrate their understanding of the entire subject.
The benefits of the jigsaw strategy are numerous:
- Active Learning: Students are actively engaged in the learning process as they research, teach, and integrate information.
- Cooperation: The strategy encourages cooperation and collaboration, as students rely on each other to understand the full scope of the subject.
- Diversity of Perspectives: It brings together different viewpoints and experiences, enriching the learning environment.
- Responsibility: Each student has a responsibility to teach their part effectively, which can boost confidence and communication skills.
- Inclusivity: It ensures that all students participate and contribute to the group's learning.
The challenges might include:
- Management: It can be challenging for teachers to manage multiple groups and ensure that each student is on task.
- Reluctance: Some students may be reluctant to take on the role of a teacher within the group.
- Imbalance: There's a risk that some group members might dominate the discussion, leaving others less involved.
To overcome these challenges, teachers can:
- Provide Clear Instructions: Ensure that students understand their roles and the expectations for each phase of the jigsaw.
- Monitor Groups: Move around the classroom to monitor progress and offer support where needed.
- Encourage Participation: Use strategies to encourage all students to participate, such as setting speaking time limits or using random group member selection techniques.
The jigsaw strategy is a powerful tool for fostering a deeper understanding of complex subjects and developing important life skills. By dividing the content and allowing students to become experts in their assigned parts, the strategy promotes active learning, cooperation, and a sense of collective responsibility for the group's learning outcomes.
The jigsaw strategy is a collaborative approach to learning where students work together to complete a task that is divided among them. This method was first introduced by Elliot Aronson in the 1970s and has since been adapted for various educational settings. The strategy is particularly useful for teaching complex subjects that require students to analyze and synthesize information from different sources.
Here's how the jigsaw strategy typically unfolds:
1. Group Formation: The teacher divides the class into small groups, typically consisting of 4 to 6 students. Each group is a microcosm of the class, with a mix of abilities and backgrounds.
2. Content Division: The subject matter is broken down into smaller, manageable parts or topics. Each group member is then assigned a specific part to become an expert in.
3. Expert Phase: During this phase, students who have been assigned the same topic across different groups come together to learn about their specific part in depth. The teacher may provide materials, facilitate discussions, or offer guidance to ensure students understand their topic thoroughly.
4. Teaching Phase: After becoming experts, students return to their original groups. Each student then teaches their part of the material to the other group members. This phase is crucial as it requires students to not only understand their topic but also to communicate it effectively to others.
5. Integration Phase: Once all parts have been taught within the group, the students work together to integrate the information. They discuss, debate, and synthesize the different pieces of information to form a comprehensive understanding of the subject.
6. Reflection and Assessment: The final stage may involve reflection on the process and assessment of the material. This could be through quizzes, discussions, or projects that allow students to demonstrate their understanding of the entire subject.
The benefits of the jigsaw strategy are numerous:
- Active Learning: Students are actively engaged in the learning process as they research, teach, and integrate information.
- Cooperation: The strategy encourages cooperation and collaboration, as students rely on each other to understand the full scope of the subject.
- Diversity of Perspectives: It brings together different viewpoints and experiences, enriching the learning environment.
- Responsibility: Each student has a responsibility to teach their part effectively, which can boost confidence and communication skills.
- Inclusivity: It ensures that all students participate and contribute to the group's learning.
The challenges might include:
- Management: It can be challenging for teachers to manage multiple groups and ensure that each student is on task.
- Reluctance: Some students may be reluctant to take on the role of a teacher within the group.
- Imbalance: There's a risk that some group members might dominate the discussion, leaving others less involved.
To overcome these challenges, teachers can:
- Provide Clear Instructions: Ensure that students understand their roles and the expectations for each phase of the jigsaw.
- Monitor Groups: Move around the classroom to monitor progress and offer support where needed.
- Encourage Participation: Use strategies to encourage all students to participate, such as setting speaking time limits or using random group member selection techniques.
The jigsaw strategy is a powerful tool for fostering a deeper understanding of complex subjects and developing important life skills. By dividing the content and allowing students to become experts in their assigned parts, the strategy promotes active learning, cooperation, and a sense of collective responsibility for the group's learning outcomes.
2024-05-11 23:55:14
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Studied at the University of Lagos, Lives in Lagos, Nigeria.
The cooperative learning strategy known as the "jigsaw" technique helps students create their own learning. Teachers arrange students in groups. Each group member is assigned a different piece of information.Feb 6, 2017
2023-06-19 15:35:02
Mia Perez
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The cooperative learning strategy known as the "jigsaw" technique helps students create their own learning. Teachers arrange students in groups. Each group member is assigned a different piece of information.Feb 6, 2017
