Jigsaw is a cooperative learning strategy that promotes active engagement, deepens understanding, and enhances communication skills. Students work in small groups to become “experts” on different aspects of a topic and then share their knowledge with their classmates.

Materials:

• Materials related to the topic being studied (e.g., textbooks, articles, videos, manipulatives)
• Jigsaw puzzle pieces (optional)

Procedure:

1. Preparation (5-10 minutes):
   • Divide the class into 4-6 “home” groups.
   • Divide the topic into 4-6 manageable sections.
   • Assign each home group a different section of the topic and provide them with the corresponding materials.
   • Prepare jigsaw puzzle pieces (optional) that represent each section of the topic and distribute them to each student.
2. Expert Groups (15-20 minutes):
   • Ask students to form “expert” groups based on their assigned section of the topic.
   • Instruct expert groups to carefully read and discuss the materials provided.
   • Encourage expert groups to take notes, create diagrams, or prepare presentations to share their knowledge with their home groups.
3. Jigsaw Sharing (15-20 minutes):
   • Bring students back to their home groups.
   • Instruct each student to share their expertise with their home group members.
   • Encourage home groups to ask questions and clarify concepts.
4. Synthesis (10-15 minutes):
   • Engage the class in a discussion to synthesize the information shared by each home group.
   • Encourage students to compare and contrast different aspects of the topic.
   • Address any misconceptions or gaps in understanding.

Differentiation:

• Varying Text Complexity: Provide different versions of the reading material with adjusted vocabulary, sentence length, and background information.
• Tiered Graphic Organizers: Offer multiple organizational templates to scaffold understanding based on individual needs.
• Choice in Expert Groups: Allow students to choose topics based on their interests or learning styles.
• Differentiated Home Group Roles: Assign specific roles for each member, like note-taker, discussion leader, or presenter, to match skill levels.

Technology Integration:

• Interactive Presentations: Use online tools like Padlet or Mentimeter for co-created presentations and real-time feedback.
• Digital Expert Group Collaboration: Utilize platforms like Google Docs or shared spreadsheets for collaborative research and note-taking.
• Online Quizzes and Games: Implement adaptive quizzes or educational games for individual practice and personalized feedback.