The jigsaw cooperative learning technique is a good way that I can use in my classroom. I hope to be teaching P.E. or math at a basic level. If I decide to teach math, I can use this technique to help my students learn. “The jigsaw classroom is a cooperative learning technique with a three-decade track record of successfully reducing racial conflict and increasing positive educational outcomes.” (Jigsaw Classroom) I will use this technique to help my students learn more and take more away from the lesson, instead of just doing it.
As I read more about the technique, I realize that I have done this before in my other classes. This technique uses groups of individuals to gather data about one topic or subject. Then they get together with the other individuals that have the same subject and discus it with them. After they discuss, they will go back to their jigsaw groups and present the information they obtained. Each kid is getting the information that they need without having to do the research. The jigsaw website says “First and foremost, it is a remarkably efficient way to learn the material. But even more important, the jigsaw process encourages listening, engagement, and empathy by giving each member of the group an essential part to play in the academic activity. Group members must work together as a team to accomplish a common goal; each person depends on all the others. No student can succeed completely unless everyone works well together as a team. This "cooperation by design" facilitates interaction among all students in the class, leading them to value each other as contributors to their common task.” (Jigsaw Classroom) I feel this is very true. I have done this in the short time I have been at Boise state and in high school.
I like this technique and I think it works. The only drawback I see is that they kids will know a lot about the topic they covered and not enough about the others. The test might have information that some students did not cover so the students in the jigsaw group will get it wrong. As I read the strategy page that was provided, I did not see where that would come into play. If I were to follow that, I do not think the students would learn.
A teacher can use this technique to benefit the students by making them improve there listening skill and making them focus on the subject at hand.
