The Jigsaw method is an active learning strategy that promotes cooperative and collaborative learning in classrooms. It is designed to promote critical thinking, communication, and social skills. This method involves breaking students into small groups and assigning them specific roles, creating a jigsaw puzzle that requires each group member to contribute to the completion of the task. The Jigsaw method has been widely used in classrooms to increase student engagement and motivation, and to improve learning outcomes. In this article, we will explore the Jigsaw method, its benefits, and how to implement it in the classroom.
What is the Jigsaw Method?
The Jigsaw method was developed by Elliot Aronson and his colleagues in the early 1970s, in response to the need for a more effective way to teach social skills to children in desegregated schools (Aronson, Blaney, Stephin, Sikes, & Snapp, 1978). The method is named after the jigsaw puzzle, in which each piece is essential to the completion of the whole. In the Jigsaw method, students are broken into small groups of five to six members, and each member is assigned a specific role within the group. The roles are typically differentiated based on content, with each member of the group responsible for mastering a particular section of the material. After the initial learning of the material, the students are then mixed into new groups, where each member shares their section of the material with their new group members, who in turn share their sections with the group. This process continues until all members have shared their material, and the group has collectively mastered the entire content.
The Jigsaw method is designed to promote cooperative and collaborative learning, as each group member is responsible for teaching their section of the material to their group members. This promotes active learning, as students must engage with the material to be able to teach it effectively. Additionally, the method promotes critical thinking and problem-solving skills, as students are required to work together to complete the task.
Benefits of the Jigsaw Method
The Jigsaw method has been shown to have numerous benefits for students, including increased engagement, motivation, and retention of information. A study by Slavin and colleagues (1985) found that the Jigsaw method was more effective than traditional instruction in promoting academic achievement and interpersonal relationships among students. Another study by Pankowski and Pankowski (2015) found that the Jigsaw method was effective in improving critical thinking and problem-solving skills among high school students.
The Jigsaw method has also been found to promote positive attitudes toward learning and school. A study by Brown and colleagues (1984) found that the Jigsaw method improved student attitudes toward learning and school, as well as their ability to work effectively with others. This is particularly important in today’s educational landscape, where social and emotional learning is becoming increasingly important.
Implementation of the Jigsaw Method
The Jigsaw method can be implemented in a variety of settings, including elementary, middle, and high schools, as well as in higher education. The following are steps for implementing the Jigsaw method in the classroom:
Step 1: Divide students into groups of five to six members.
Step 2: Assign each member a specific role or section of the material to master.
Step 3: Provide students with time to read and learn their assigned material.
Step 4: Mix students into new groups, with one member from each of the initial groups in each new group.
Step 5: Have each student share their section of the material with their new group members.
Step 6: Provide time for discussion and questions among group members.
Step 7: Have each group work together to complete a task or project based on the material Jigsaw method worked for the class.
It is important to note that the Jigsaw method can be adapted to suit the specific needs of the class and the material being taught. For example, teachers may choose to assign roles based on student strengths, or may provide additional support for students who are struggling with the material. Additionally, teachers may choose to implement the Jigsaw method in different ways, such as using technology to facilitate group discussions or incorporating multimedia resources into the learning process.
The Jigsaw method is a powerful tool for promoting cooperative and collaborative learning in the classroom. By breaking students into small groups and assigning them specific roles, the Jigsaw method promotes critical thinking, communication, and social skills. The method has been shown to have numerous benefits for students, including increased engagement, motivation, and retention of information, as well as improved attitudes toward learning and school. By following the steps outlined in this article, teachers can easily implement the Jigsaw method in their classrooms, promoting active and engaged learning among their students.
References:
Aronson, E., Blaney, N., Stephin, C., Sikes, J., & Snapp, M. (1978). The jigsaw classroom. Beverly Hills, CA: Sage Publications.
Brown, R. J., Ellsworth, P. C., & Harris, L. (1984). Cognitive and affective consequences of cooperative, competitive, and individualistic reward structures. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 46(4), 943-961.
Pankowski, J. A., & Pankowski, K. S. (2015). Jigsaw technique and the development of critical thinking and problem solving skills. International Journal of Teaching and Learning in Higher Education, 27(2), 213-220.
Slavin, R. E., Sharan, S., Kagan, S., Hertz-Lazarowitz, R., Webb, C., & Schmuck, R. (1985). Learning to cooperate, cooperating to learn. New York, NY: Plenum Press.