JIGSAW
Jigsaw is a cooperative learning strategy that enables the class to work together, while each student may participate in discussing one aspect of the topic that interests them. Students meet with members of other groups, before returning to their "home" groups to relay what they just learned. With this strategy, each student in the group serves as a piece of the puzzle, and together they can create the complete jigsaw puzzle. This activity allows students the opportunity to choose their area of study within a topic, work collaboratively with their classmates, and practice retrieving the information as they teach each other.
How to use jigsaw:
Introduce the activity and the topic/subtopics.
Assign students to a "home group" of 3-5 students ranging in reading abilities.
Assign reading selections within groups; each student within the "home group" should have a different reading/subtopic.
Separate students into "expert groups" that consist of students reading the same selection.
Prompt "expert groups" with discussion questions, if needed.
Once the students are "experts" at their subtopic, return to their "home groups" and guide them in sharing what they learned.
Prepare a summary chart or graphic organizer for each "home group" as a guide for organizing the experts' information report.
Remind students that "home group" members are responsible to learn all content from one another.
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