Name: Jigsaw Classroom
Description

This is a type of co-operative group work that makes students dependent on each other in order to succeed. Classes are divided into small groups and each given a part of the topic to prepare and teach the other groups. This method helps to build student confidence. There are different designs that are called Jigsaw, but the underlying principle of all of them is that each student only has access to part of the facts or materials that are needed in order to understand the topic, and must rely on other students to help them to learn the whole topic.

At a glance
Class size: Any
Level prehonours, honours, PGT
Environment seminar/tutorial
Suitable for: F2F, could be adapted for online
Technology Used: none, but could be adapted for Moodle/online
IT Competency: none
Step-by-step guide
  1. Divide your lesson into 5 equal segments (subtopics)
  2. Divide your students into 5 person groups (jigsaw groups)
  3. Appoint one student in each group as the leader (this should change each time, if this design is used regularly)
  4. Give each member of a jigsaw group 1 of the 5 subtopics.
  5. Give students time to read over their subtopic.
  6. Form temporary expert groups by asking students with the same subtopic to form groups.
  7. Expert groups discuss their subtopic and rehearse a presentation.
  8. Float from group to group, observing.
  9. Bring students back to their jigsaw groups
  10. Each student takes it in turn to present their subtopic. Others in the group ask questions.
  11. Float from group to group, observing.
  12. Finish with a whole group activity. You could ask each group to feed back to the whole class, or give a quiz to consolidate learning.
Examples

Jigsaw Classroom Tutorials (requires GUID)

Research papers and presentations

Honeychurch, S. (2011) The development and implementation of a method of collaborative learning for first year philosophy tutorials 

Honeychurch, S. (2012) Taking Forward the Jigsaw Classroom: the Development and Implementation of a Method of Collaborative Learning for First Year Philosophy Tutorials

Relationship of method to assessment and feedback principles

This relates to Principle 5: discussing work and its evaluation with others

Other Resources

Jigsaw Classroom