Jigsaw Classroom Technique

Definition

The jigsaw classroom technique is an instructional strategy that promotes cooperative learning by dividing students into small groups where each member becomes an expert on a specific topic or part of a larger subject. This method encourages students to collaborate, share their expertise, and rely on each other for learning, thereby fostering a sense of community and reducing prejudice by emphasizing interdependence among diverse group members.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The jigsaw classroom technique was developed in the 1970s by Elliot Aronson as a response to increasing racial tensions in schools.
2. Each student in a jigsaw group is responsible for learning and teaching a specific segment of the material, promoting individual accountability within the collaborative process.
3. This method has been shown to enhance student engagement and reduce competitive attitudes, as success is dependent on the group working well together.
4. Research indicates that using the jigsaw technique can lead to improved academic performance and greater acceptance among diverse students.
5. By fostering cooperation and reducing barriers between students from different backgrounds, the jigsaw classroom technique actively works to decrease prejudice and discrimination.

Review Questions

• How does the jigsaw classroom technique promote cooperative learning and what are its effects on student interaction?
  • The jigsaw classroom technique promotes cooperative learning by requiring students to depend on one another to complete a task, fostering a collaborative environment. Each student becomes an expert on one part of the topic, which they then teach to their peers, enhancing communication skills and creating a supportive atmosphere. This structure encourages positive interactions and helps build relationships across diverse backgrounds, ultimately leading to reduced prejudice.
• Discuss how the jigsaw classroom technique can effectively reduce prejudice in educational settings.
  • The jigsaw classroom technique reduces prejudice by creating an environment where students must collaborate with peers from different backgrounds to succeed. This reliance on one another fosters empathy, understanding, and respect among diverse group members. As students work together toward common goals, they are likely to challenge stereotypes and form positive relationships, thereby decreasing discrimination and promoting inclusivity.
• Evaluate the long-term implications of implementing the jigsaw classroom technique in schools regarding social dynamics and academic performance.
  • Implementing the jigsaw classroom technique in schools can lead to lasting improvements in social dynamics among students. By fostering an environment of cooperation and interdependence, students are more likely to develop strong social skills and meaningful friendships across cultural lines. Over time, these changes can contribute to improved academic performance as well, since students who feel included and valued are generally more engaged and motivated in their learning processes. This holistic approach not only enhances educational outcomes but also nurtures a more harmonious school climate.

Related terms

Cooperative Learning: An educational approach that involves students working together in small groups to achieve learning goals, enhancing social skills and teamwork.

Interdependence:

A situation where individuals rely on one another to achieve shared objectives, crucial for successful cooperative learning environments.

Social Identity Theory:

A psychological theory that explains how individuals derive a sense of self from their group memberships, influencing attitudes and behaviors toward in-group and out-group members.