Report #
Name
FIPP Partner
Funded by the Basic Skills Initiative
Date
Section #
Activity /Strategy
Category
Briefly describe the activity/strategy.
1. Introduction This activity is a collaborative learning strategy called the
Jigsaw. We will be using it to generate a deeper understanding of the course themes. This activity offers learning in three levels. In level one, you will have solo time to think and reflect on course themes. In level two, you will have time to discuss it with your peers so that you learn from others and become an expert in particular themes. In level 3, as an expert in a course theme, you will teach it to others, generating a deeper understanding of the course theme.
2. Set up & Supplies An assignment designed for group work. I used the 8 course themes for my HDEV 10 class.
3. Directions : DIRECTIONS:
1) Have students get into groups of 4. Once in groups of 4, have them number themselves 1,2,3 and 4. This will determine what course theme they work on.
2) Level 1. Solo Thinking and Learning. Assign 2 course themes to students with each number. For example, all 1's will work on Personal Responsibility &
Motivation. All 2's will work on Self-Management and Interdependence. Instruct each member in the home group to become an "expert" on the course themes assigned to them. They should be able to define each course theme, discuss the value of it and provide examples. Even though they are in groups, this time is solo time for them to think, read, reflect and define the course themes.
(about 10 min)
3). Level 2. Collaborative Learning Through Discussion with Peers. Students then go to "expert" groups based on their numbers and assigned course themes.
That is, all students who are becoming experts on "Personal Responsibility and
Motivation" gather...as do the other expert groups. These "expert" groups discuss their definitions and examples of the course themes. They achieve consensus on the best definition and examples of each course theme. Be sure to inform the experts that they will be returning to their home groups with the goal of teaching their course themes to the others in their home group. (about

15 minutes)
4. Level 3. Mastery Through Teaching Others. Students return to their "home" groups (from Step 1). Each student makes a presentation to the home group, teaching the group about the course themes. (about 20 minutes...5 minutes per person).
4. Conclusion Any time remaining in the class can be used for students to report what they learned and discuss the course themes.
What worked well?
The Jigsaw process is great for giving students the responsibility of learning and for teaching any body of information that can be segmented.
What would you change? I used this activity at the end of the semester to assess their learning about course themes. I will try this again the same way at the beginning of each semester. I think it will be an effective introduction to the course.
Teaching tip: Be sure to give clear instructions at the beginning of the activity and then repeat them again before each step. Without clear directions, it can be like herding cats.
Would you use the activity/strategy again? Why or why not? I will use it again. It's a great way to have students learn content while interacting with others.
Please describe any student learning outcomes/changes that you observed after the implementation of the activity/strategy. Students were energized and had fun becoming
"experts" and teaching others what they know. Students reported that learning from others created a deeper understanding of the material.