Jigsaw Teaching Strategy

1391 Words6 Pages
Introduction The role of the teacher in producing student centered learning has been the subject of considerable discussion over time in this dynamic world. Polio and Humphrey (1996) noted that effective teaching revolved around the connection established between the instructor and the student. Lowman (1994) further noted that the behaviour of the teacher influences the quality of instruction and the learning environment that is created. Teaching must include two major components: sending and receiving information (Damodharan, 2012). Damodharan further asserted that any communication that serves this purpose without destroying the objective could be considered innovative. Bradshaw and Lowenstein (2011) echoed this and argued that innovative methods are ones that by design engages and challenges students resulting in greater student interest, a deeper level of understanding and /or a lasting change in the student. It is an approach to teaching and learning that results in a much enhanced, even transformative, educational experience for students. Furthermore, the use of innovative methods has the potential not only to improve education but also to empower people, strengthen governance and galvanize the effort to achieve the human development goal of the country (Damodharan, 2012). This paper purports to discuss Jigsaw as an innovative method of teaching. Specifically, it will focus on its description, how to use the method; advantages and disadvantages; and effective use of the method. There are many advantages and disadvantages for jigsaw but the paper will discuss only a few. Description Jigsaw is a cooperative learning strategy that has been used for over thirty years. Professor Elliot Aronson and his graduate students from the University of Texas invented this technique in 1971 out of need due to rising hostility among students in Austin, Texas during
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