Introduction
A cooperative learning method called ‘the Jigsaw’ empowers students to take ownership of their learning through collaboration with various peers.
Therefore, as instructors, it’s essential to prepare for student movement and mobility. Depending on the classroom community dynamics, teachers may wish to engineer groups or randomize.
This visual previews the actual movement of students, who begin at a home group, move to an expert group to meet other ‘experts,’ and then return to the home group once more.
It may be helpful to preview the movement as a class to build collective understanding of the procedures.
Teacher Tip: “Home Groups” are heterogeneous while “Expert Groups” are homogeneous.
Procedures: Groups and Rotations
First “Heterogeneous” Grouping (Home Group)
- Divide your students into groups of four to six, or whatever works best for your learning community.
- Divide reading content into small chunks.
- Assign one ELA-based topic, or point of analysis, for each student. (i.e. “Analyze symbolism…” “Analyze characterization…” etc.)
- Each student will become an expert in their assigned topic.
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Allow expert students to work independently.
Second “Homogeneous” Grouping (Expert Group)
- Students will meet with experts from other groups. Expert groups consist of students who were assigned the same ELA-based topic.
- Students will compare and summarize their findings.
- Students will discuss what information to share with their respective home group members.
Regrouping “Heterogeneous” (Home Group)
- Allow students to return to their original home group.
- Each student will take turns sharing their ELA expertise.
- Home group members will take notes and ask questions.
Teacher Tips:
- Ensure you have close to the same number of students in each home group.
- Organize seating for smooth student transitions to and from home groups to expert groups.
- Provide classroom materials for students that encourage brainstorming (expert groups).
- Set a timer to ensure that students remain on task.
- Rotate around your classroom to observe your Jigsaw. (What’s working? How can it be improved?)
- Allow yourself some grace and patience (especially if it’s your first Jigsaw).
- Assess students on their ELA learned content.
- Scores can be based on the student’s individual performance.
- Scores can also be based on the home group’s performance (the average).
Classroom Application
Let’s apply the Jigsaw Method using The Great Gatsby.
Consider these suggested ELA-based topics for each Home Group:
- setting
- characterization (Tom)
- word choice (diction)
- conflict
- mood
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symbolism
First Grouping “Heterogeneous” (Home Group)
- Divide your students into groups of four to six.
- Assign students Chapter 2, passage 29.
- Let students know that their keyword will be cafes.
- When they see cafes, they will end their reading at the next period.
- Assign one ELA-based topic for each student expert.
- Allow student experts to work independently.
- If needed, suggest that student experts begin by defining their topic.
- If needed, encourage student experts to find “text evidence” examples on their topic from their reading.
Teacher cue for students: “Prepare to rotate.”
Second Grouping “Homogeneous” (Expert Group)
- Ask students to transition into their expert groups.
- Encourage student experts to collaborate and compare and summarize their findings.
- Remind student experts to create a presentation for their respective home group members.
Teacher cue for students: “Thank your fellow experts. Let’s prepare to return to home groups!”
Regrouping “Heterogeneous” (Home Group)
- Allow students to return to their original home group.
- Encourage students to take turns sharing their ELA expertise.
- Home group members should take notes and ask questions.
By using leveled texts, all students can approach the text and their topic for analysis with confidence.
This type of learning experience will foster accountability, enhance collaboration, and allow students to build positive literacy identities.
Resource Links:
- Bringing cooperative learning structures online using breakout rooms - IT Teaching Resources
- 4 Things You Don't Know About the Jigsaw Method | Cult of Pedagogy
- The Jigsaw Method - LEARNING CURRENTS