Jigsaws


 * Jigsaw**

The jigsaw is a cooperative learning strategy that provides opportunities for students to gain a variety of perspectives and insights by participating in a specialized group and then by sharing and integrating what they learned in their “home” group. The jigsaw is used to help students acquire an overview of a range of material or opinions. It enables expertise to be developed, recognized, and shared within a group and encourages a high level of student participation. The strategy may provide a review of previously learned material or identify questions or problems within an issue or topic. The jigsaw supports risk taking and the development of interpersonal skills and abilities.
 * Description**

The teacher:
 * Method**
 * allows considerable time for students to understand the process;
 * organizes the learning materials in advance, sets goals, outlines steps, and sets the time frame;
 * may use the jigsaw strategy primarily in two ways:
 * material is divided into sections, and each of the numbered groups is assigned a section to learn, explore, and then report to the home group;
 * the class shares a common learning experience, and the specialized groups take different approaches in analysing or responding to this experience (e.g., by creating a drama presentation, writing a poem, posing a problem and presenting a possible solution for home group discussion);
 * assesses student learning through continual observation and adjusts programming accordingly.

The jigsaw:
 * Considerations**
 * requires students to have experience in accurate teaching of information to the home group, and also requires the use of active listening skills;
 * requires the topic to be kept simple, if used for a short time frame (e.g., 30 to 60 minutes);
 * can be applied in a variety of contexts and across all curriculum areas;
 * works best when students have experience and skills in working collaboratively;
 * is useful for students who are shy or lacking confidence;
 * may be useful to help students who are developing English as a second language;
 * requires careful teacher monitoring and skilful intervention.


 * Illustrations From The Mathematics Classroom**

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 * Elementary**

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 * Secondary**