| The Jig-Saw Classroom |
| Collaborative and Cooperative Group Projects: Source for group projects Overview of Differentiated Instruction Differentiated Instructional Strategies The Jigsaw Classroom-extensive resource for research information on the use of jigsawing Mistakes Used in Cooperative Learning-is what it sounds like Enhance Learning with Technology Academy Curricular Exchange-Lesson ideas |
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| Overview: The Jigsaw classroom is a highly effective teaching technique (although it drives peole who share your room with you absolutely nuts). Basiccaly, my classroom is ususally arranged in groups of 2,4,5, or 6. My classes are large and in many cases class size does limit what I can or cannot do. I tend to do a great deal of modification to group projects I use as I must conform to classes of 19, 26, and 29. Sample Lesson: Six groups of 4-5 students. Then, I have the students count off by a given number that matches the number of reading assignments. Each group is assigned a reading assignment either in class or for homework. But, since some topics are small but highly important (i.e. 1950s Civil Rights Movement), I may double up on a topic with an different reading one the same topic. The individual reading groups will come together after the students read the assignment to discuss the main points. I use the check mark, exclamation point, question mark method to focus that discussion. (Check mark = I understand, ! = Important point, ? = confusiong, need clarification) Finally, the students will come back together with their original groups and teach each other the material and fill in a graphic organizer. The detail they pick up form the reading is phenomenal. I then bring them together in a large group to summarize the finding and check for understanding if needed. Helpful Tips: -Plan, plan, plan. -Place station/group numbers some place noticeable (I hang mine for the ceiling tiles -- see picture below) -Give shorter than needed time constraints to give students a sense of urgency to complete work. If an actiivity should take 6 minutes tell them they have 4 minutes. -Always monitor progress -Use your co-teacher to help guide groups as well -Assign roles if appropriate -This is a good opportunity to grade students on attitude/participation and contributions to the group. -Mix by ability, interest/learning styles but keep groups differnt each time so to avoid stereotypes or boredom -Use various types of jigsaw-like activities-think-pair-share, guided reading questions, summarize what you just learned, K-W-L charts, etc. |
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