The Jigsaw Method

The jigsaw method of learning or researching can be used in many different ways in the classroom. One way to use the jigsaw method is if you only have five computers in your classroom, you can break down a research project into five parts, and separate the students into groups of five then each group will have one expert for each part. Then each expert group will have one computer to obtain research. Each expert will return to their heterogeneous group to share their specified knowledge. 

Using the jigsaw method it allows the students to obtain more information in a shorter period of time. This allows for the curriculum/project to be more complex. Using efficient methods such as this lets teachers educate in more creative ways. Another advantage to this way of teaching is that it allows for there to be no bystanders among the group. Each student is assigned their own tasks.

The disadvantages to using ideas such as this one are that some children will not put as much effort into the project therefore their group does not receive as much knowledge. In order for this to work proficiently each child has to be motivated to learn about their specific topic. Also some students will not explain their subject as well as a teacher would causing information to get skewed or not introduced at all. Some children may have trouble asking questions directed towards their peers due to the fact that they may feel embarrassed. 

Overall the jigsaw method can be a great tool to have in many situations. But when planning a lesson try to avoid some of these disadvantages. Providing yourself with a detailed lesson plan will help to avoid many problems and allow for the students to receive much more knowledge!