Jigsaw (teaching technique)

The group puzzle, according to the American model also Jigsaw method (English jigsaw puzzle ( game ) ) called, is a form of group work, such as school classes. Where n is the n groups of students of the class to approximately √ distributed. Each group works on the overall theme, but each member of a different part. Then take all the "experts" of a specific area in order to match their results. Subsequently, the experts return to their home group to there now the other group members sing their specialty. Finally, the overall theme is checked for all group members. In the first step an independent elaboration of the substance is required; in the expert groups differences in quality of individual work are compensated; in the third phase, the group members need to listen to the speaker carefully, encourage and support him. This prevents, that the other group members, such as Classmates are perceived as competitors.

The Jigsaw method was developed in 1971 in Austin ( Texas) by Elliot Aronson to solve problems between students from different backgrounds (African American, white, Latino ), which were taught together for the first time after the abolition of apartheid (see web link). He built on the Robber's Cave experiment by Sherif Muzafer.

Successes of the Jigsaw method are:

• Prejudices are broken down
• Self-confidence is strengthened
• The school and learning environment is improved
• Truancy is reduced
• Responsibility is learned, etc.; to pursuing the goals of cooperative learning.

Simple steps to implement the Jigsaw method:

Problems that can arise with this method: