Jigsaw Classroom

The formation of vertebrate groups is a way to discuss a particular topic in a larger group. The whole group is first divided into smaller ( sub) groups that discuss the issue one below the other. If this group work is completed, new groups formed ( the so-called eddy groups ): In each newly formed group at least one representative from each of the old groups is sent. This procedure can be repeated, if necessary several times.

The so- induced mixing causes a maximum exchange of arguments and at the same time (because of the parallelism of the group discussions ) for each participant particularly good opportunities to intervene actively in the discussions.

The method has been in the English language under the name Jigsaw Classroom: known ( about Puzzle class) by the American psychologist Elliot Aronson.