Cooperative Learning in the Classroom COOPERATION INTEGRATION Jigsaw 101 Cooperative Learning in the Classroom COMMUNICATION TEAMWORK

What is Jigsaw A Cooperative Learning Strategy that Teaches Concepts in Pieces, wherein Students must learn their piece and then teach it to others. Meaning that Students must learn for themselves and learn from each other because All students are responsible for knowing about all pieces, given that Yes, this is for a grade.

Four Stages of Jigsaw Stage 1: Introduction of the topic to the class Stage 2: Focused Exploration Stage 3: Reporting and Reshaping Stage 4: Integration and Evaluation

Why JIGSAW? Makes Learning Efficient Encourages Listening Engages Critical Thinking Creates a Classroom of Teachers Fosters Teamwork and shared responsibility Provides Real Time Assessment

Jigsaw Learning is… Age Neutral Subject Neutral (mostly) Student Centered Collaborative and not Competitive Interactive and Engaging Foolproof* Cooperation by Design

What Students think of Jigsaw You can usually get a lot more done in a shorter amount of time. Each member of the group has something unique that he/she can contribute. If I am clueless on something a partner may be an expert on it. Students can relate to one another more easily than to a teacher It makes the assignment or project more fun.

What Employers Want… What Jigsaw offers… "mastery of the subject area" "ability to work in teams" "written and oral communication skills” "problem solving ability" "ability to learn independently" What Jigsaw offers…

We learn and retain 85% to 90% of the material that we teach others BIG TAKE AWAY We learn and retain 85% to 90% of the material that we teach others

Jigsaw in Action Elementary Implementation Observations Modifications

Puzzles that Jigsaw can solve The Dominate Student The Slow Student The Shy Student The Gifted and Bored Student The Competitive Student The English Language Learner

Puzzles that Jigsaw Presents I can’t cover all of my material My students don't like or want to work in groups Students will misbehave My room is not set up for group learning I don’t have enough class time What about assessment?

More Puzzles, More Problems People need to go at different speeds People may not pull their weight It isn’t fair A concept may not be understood as well if a person doesn't have to figure it out Hard to stay focused My Expert was no good

Tips for Success Explain the task clearly to the students Explain the objectives and relate it to prior knowledge Explain the concepts and procedures needed and present examples if needed, and Question the students for a general understanding