The jigsaw technique is a cooperative learning method in which a class is divided into small groups, and each group member is assigned to research and become an expert on one piece of a larger topic before returning to teach that piece to the rest of their original group, so that the full topic is only assembled once every member's contribution is combined, much like pieces of a jigsaw puzzle. Developed by social psychologist Elliot Aronson and colleagues in the early 1970s, it was originally designed to reduce conflict and build interdependence among students in newly desegregated classrooms in Texas. The technique is still used across many subjects today for its ability to build both academic knowledge and cooperative, interdependent group skills. This description is adapted from Wikipedia contributors under CC BY-SA 4.0; changes were made. https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/
Facts
Core ClaimThe jigsaw technique is a method of organizing classroom activity that makes students dependent on each other to succeed. 1 FAQs
What did research find about students taught with the jigsaw method?
Jigsaw classrooms reported less prejudice, higher self-esteem, better exam results and less absenteeism than traditional classrooms.
Studies comparing jigsaw classrooms with traditional classrooms reported that jigsaw students showed a decrease in prejudice and stereotyping, liked in-group and out-group members more, showed higher levels of self-esteem, performed better on standardized exams, liked school more and had reduced absenteeism. The method was designed to build interdependence, because each student holds one piece of the material that the rest of the group needs.
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Source Jigsaw (teaching technique) (Wikipedia)
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1. Jigsaw (teaching technique) (Wikipedia)
Lead section
The jigsaw technique is a method of organizing classroom activity that makes students dependent on each other to succeed.
History section
In 1971, Dr. Elliot Aronson was hired to advise an Austin, Texas school district on how to defuse the problems of hostile classrooms and distrust between the students.
Lead paragraph, education-level
The jigsaw technique is a method of organizing classroom activity that makes students dependent on each other to succeed.
Developed By: Elliot Aronson, Lead
It was designed by social psychologist Elliot Aronson to help weaken racial cliques in forcibly integrated schools.
In Approach: Cooperative Learning, Lead
The jigsaw technique is a cooperative learning method that brings about both individual accountability and achievement of the team goals.
In Group: Cooperative, Peer and Small Group Methods, Lead
The jigsaw technique is a method of organizing classroom activity that makes students dependent on each other to succeed.
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