9. Jigsaw
Aronson, E (2000). Jigsaw Classroom. Retrieved March 9, 2009, from Social Psychology Network Web site: http://www.jigsaw.org/
This strategy is a fabulous way to teach cooperative learning and content area subjects. Students are part of a group whose members each have a different assignment related to the whole classroom study. Students are divided into groups with 4-5 members each. In this group, each child has a specific portion to research in relation to the broader topic of the whole class. After the initial research time, the students who study the same specific topic come together to share their expertise. Next, the small groups reconvene to teach each other what they learned individually. These small “jigsaw” pieces of information fit together to give the students a whole topic picture.
If the class topic is an author study of Eric Carle, one set of students would research his childhood, one set could do schooling, one set could do professional career, one could do later accomplishments, and one could do family life. When the research and sharing of the pieces of his life finish, each student knows a complete picture of Eric Carle’s life and work.
Comments (7)
I liked this strategy because it was a teambuilding exercise as well as an aid to comrehension. No on student could gain full access to the needed information without cooperating with all the others in the group. Also, when you teach someone something, it reinforces the information for you, and you come to understand it more fully.So when students are presenting their "piece of the puzzle" to the rest of the group, they are solidifying their own learning. What could be better than that?
Posted by Annie Croon | March 13, 2009 8:29 PM
Posted on March 13, 2009 20:29
I think this is a great activity. I believe it can be used with students of different ages. It also sounds like a great way to integrate content. I'm also glad you gave the example of the Eric Carle lesson because it helped me to understand the strategy.
Posted by Bethany Gilbert | March 14, 2009 11:23 AM
Posted on March 14, 2009 11:23
I think you are right this is a great strategy to promote cooperative learning. My professors in my undergraduate program actually used this strategy with us on several occasions, as an adult student this was a meaningful learning strategy for me and my classmates.
Posted by Donielle Rector | March 14, 2009 6:00 PM
Posted on March 14, 2009 18:00
I have used this strategy with my students in class. I think that it is a very effective way to engage students. They are interested to see where their part fits into the overall project. I agree with Donielle that I have had several classes as an adult that use this method and I have learned a great deal from that strategy.
Posted by Christy B | March 15, 2009 3:40 PM
Posted on March 15, 2009 15:40
The first time I saw the jigsaw strategy was during my student teaching. The students(5th grade)were studying different wars. The class was divided into 4 groups. The groups researched their topic. They had to present their findings to the class. The students used powerpoints, handmade timelines, interviews with veterans, and pictures in thier presentation. During the presentations, the audience would ask questions and make connections. It was a great
experience for the students.
Posted by Zandra Hunt | March 15, 2009 4:17 PM
Posted on March 15, 2009 16:17
This is a great strategy! I use this a lot with my third graders and it really works well. The older students really enjoy putting all of their ideas and research together for a presentation!
Posted by Misty Mistretta | March 15, 2009 4:57 PM
Posted on March 15, 2009 16:57
I like the jigsaw strategy. I have used this strategy in the past, but "filed" it away. The jigsaw will ensure that everyone participates in learning and sharing. I enjoy trying new strategies with my students and want to use this one again soon! Thanks for the reminder! :)
Posted by sonia pearson | March 15, 2009 5:14 PM
Posted on March 15, 2009 17:14