Blog #5 JIGSAW

The jigsaw method is a very effective collaborative system that can be used in almost any classroom. It provides students with the opportunity to work together and feel important in presenting to their group and becoming an “expert”. There are, however, some disadvantages that need to be considered.

1. If there were only 5 computers in the classroom, not all students could be actively researching at once. This is where the jigsaw method comes in to play. When students are divided in to their expert groups, each group could have one computer, so all the students that were assigned to research the assassination of President Lincoln could work on one computer, and the group that is assigned to work on his speech at Gettysburg could work on another computer. That way, there is sufficient resources for each topic to be developed. If every student had to research every topic, there is no way that there would be enough time. This way, time is saved, and things are done more efficiently. You could even have half of the expert groups working on the computers, and half working in the library. Then, they could switch, and things are still being done in an efficient way.

2. A huge advantage of this method is that all students play an important role. Theoretically, one student could not sit back and do nothing, because they are responsible to get their group the information. If they slack, their entire group misses out on that information. That sense of responsibility and accountability is huge in group work. Also, this way, more information can be researched. Instead of struggling through one or two topics, students get to hear their fellow student experts on their topic, and are exposed to and learn a wider source of information.

3. There are a few disadvantages to this system as well. Stronger students can still dominate, and if a student slacks and doesn’t do his work, the entire group loses out on the chance for information. It would be hard to motivate each student to the same degree so that a fair amount of information is being shared. Also, it would be easy for a bright student to get bored, or want to do it all themselves, not trusting the group. There is also a chance that information could be relayed incorrectly, as it passes from computer to student to group. Despite the possible disadvantages, however, this system is still very efficient and provides a unique framework teachers can utilize for creative and innovative learning.