Discussion Method (Jigsaw)

WHAT?

Ø Invented by social psychologist Elliot Aronson in 1971.

Ø Students of an average sized class (26 to 33 students) are divided into competency groups of four to six students, each of which is given a list of subtopics to research. Individual members of each group then break off to work with the "experts" from other groups, researching a part of the material being studied, after which they return to their starting group in the role of instructor for their subcategory.

Ø A cooperative learning technique appropriate for students from 3rd to 12th grade.

Ø Encourages listening, engagement, interaction, peer teaching, and cooperation by giving each member of the group an essential part to play in the academic activity.

Steps of implementation:

According to Aronson (2008) there are ten steps considered important in the implementation of the jigsaw classroom:

1. Students are divided into a 5 or 6 person jigsaw group. The group should be diverse in terms of ethnicity, gender, ability, and race.

2. One student should be appointed as the group leader. This person should initially be the most mature student in the group.

3. The day’s lesson is divided into 5–6 segments (one for each member)

4. Each student is assigned one segment to learn. Each student should only have direct access to their own segment.

5. Students should be given time to read over their segment at least twice to become familiar with it. Students do not need to memorize it.

6. Temporary experts groups should be formed in which one student from each jigsaw group joins other students assigned to the same segment. Students in this expert group should be given time to discuss the main points of their segment and rehearse the presentation they are going to make to their jigsaw group.

7. Students come back to their jigsaw group.

8. Students present his or her segment to the group. Other members are encouraged to ask question for clarification.

9. The teacher needs to float from group to group in order to observe the process. Intervene if any group is having trouble such as a member being dominating or disruptive. There will come a point that the group leader should handle this task. Teachers can whisper to the group leader as to how to intervene until the group leader can effectively do it themselves.

10. A quiz on the material should be given at the end so students realize that the sessions are not just for fun and games, but that they really count.

Advantages:

Ø Teachers find it easy to learn, enjoy working with it, it can be used in conjunction with other teaching strategies and it can be effective.

Ø Teacher is not the sole provider of knowledge

Ø Efficient way to learn

Ø Students take ownership in the work and achievement

Ø Students are held accountable among their peers

Ø Learning revolves around interaction with peers

Ø Students are active participants in the learning process

Ø Builds interpersonal and interactive skills

Disadvantages:

Ø Dominant student

Ø Slow student in the group

Ø Bright students becoming bored

Ø Dealing with students that have been trained to compete can also cause difficulties.