Introduction
The Jigsaw Active Learning Technique is a highly successful method for enhancing student learning. Its name comes from the jigsaw puzzle-solving activity.
Jigsaw Puzzle as an Analogy
- Initially, people seek out homogeneous pieces (edge pieces, blue pieces, pieces with a specific image).
- Eventually, you will need to connect these with pieces that have different appearances (the heterogeneous component).
The Jigsaw Method
Phase 1: Expert Groups (Homogeneous Groups)
- Pupils are expected to become experts on a given subject.
- Reading aloud in class or reflecting on earlier assignments are two ways to accomplish this.
- Students form groups to discuss the same specific topic.
- You have a number of local expert groups, such as picture, edge, and blue experts.
Phase 2: Mixed Groups (Heterogeneous Groups)
- Groups are disbanded after a predetermined amount of time, such as five to ten minutes.
- One representative is chosen from each homogeneous expert group to form new groups.
- A variety of expertise is present in these new groups (e.g., edge, picture, and blue piece experts together).
- Students share their individual knowledge with one another.
- They then integrate and synthesize that knowledge.
- The aim is a more global understanding or a more comprehensive/heterogeneous solution.
- Heterogeneous groups are typically asked to report out after the event.
The Role of the Instructor During the Activity
- While groups are working, move around the room.
- Pay attention to what groups have to say.
- Determine whether groups are experiencing problems or if they have made any significant progress.
- The class as a whole can hear about breakthroughs.
Key Considerations/Logistical Issues
Ensuring Students Become Experts
- Students must be able to become the uniform experts that are needed.
- Assigning a pre-class assignment that requires students to comprehend particular points is ideal.
- This presupposes that students have read and comprehended the content.
- Groups may become "spotty" due to varying comprehension levels during in-class reading.
Overseeing Student Enrollment and Group Formation
- This could be a tricky problem.
- The proportion of students in homogeneous versus heterogeneous groups must be taken into account.
- If the total number of students is a perfect square, such as 9, 16, or 25, the numbers work well.
- The number of diverse groups must equal the number of topics that are homogeneous.
- Forming groups without additional personnel or without a necessary expert on hand can be challenging.
- Making plans in advance is crucial.
- You must handle the numbers on the fly when there are absences.
- Determining the correct number of students is one of the most challenging aspects of the jigsaw technique.
