1. A collaborative approach to Active Learning: the Jigsaw technique
LTA Active Learning TeachMeet, 26th January 2018
David Jay, Language Services Unit

2. What is the jigsaw technique?
Pioneered in 1970s US school system (Aronson, 2017); now adopted by HEIs (e.g. UC Berkeley, 2018)
Students form groups, allocated different area of input, e.g. text, data set, case study
Each group focuses on own area (expert groups)
Jigsaw regrouping to share expertise
(mixed groups)

3. What are the benefits?
Students develop confidence as expert participants (Rankin, 2015)
Enhances inclusion (Aronson, 2017) and engagement
Flexible across disciplines, e.g. Biology, History, Law, Literature, Psychology (Harvard ABL Connect, 2018): Engineering (MIT Open Courseware, 2017)

4. Useful Resources
Harvard ablconnect (online repository of activities, materials and tutorials): Berkeley Active Learning: learning-strategies MIT Active Learning: Janet Rankin: College Science Jigsaw class (MIT OpenCourseware) Harvard Jigsaw tutorial video

5. References
Aronson, E., Jigsaw Classroom. [online] Available at: Accessed 23rd January 2018 Barkley, E., Major, C. and Cross, K., Collaborative Learning Techniques: A Handbook for College Faculty. 2nd ed. San Francisco: Wiley Harvard ABL Connect, Jigsaw Tutorial. [online] Available at: Accessed 23rd January 2018 UC Berkeley, Active Learning Strategies. [online] Available at: Accessed 26th January Michael, J., Faculty Perceptions about Barriers to Active Learning. College Teaching, 55 (2), MIT Open Courseware, Active Learning Strategy: Jigsaw. [online] Available at: Accessed 23rd January 2018