Jigsaw Learning

When using groups, particularly if you are employing Team-Based Learning, one technique to consider is called jigsaw learning.  With jigsaw learning the responsibility for teaching a particular content area falls squarely on the students.  For example, if you had six groups of six students each you could take six different content areas, divide them among the groups, and have them become the subject matter experts.  Given the resources and a little time they could come back and teach the other members of the class.  The advantage of this method is that it engages the learner.  The disadvantage is that students might teach inaccurate information.  To allay this concern, it’s highly recommended that the instructor provide the primary resources such as textbook chapters or on-line material.  Moreover, design the experience so the subject matter experts meet to discuss their findings and outline their teaching of the material.  The tendency is for the group to be more effective at designing the delivery of the information than an individual would be.  The following is an example of the introduction to one exercise used in a class at Fresno State.

See one, do one, teach one is the most effective way to learn.  Your team will become the subject matter experts by spending time in-class to master your assigned topic (see below). On March 1st your team will divide up by sending one member of your team to each of the other teams to teach the following topic.  The textbook chapters are listed below.  There will also be on-line materials available.  You should provide practical information to assist your fellow students in tackling the program plans.