The Jigsaw Method

If I wanted to use the Jigsaw method in my classroom, but I only had access to 5 computers,I would have a few options. One thing I could do is have 5 expert groups, and have them do collaborative research, as opposed to separate research, and then getting together. Another option I would have is providing other resources, such as books and periodicals. This would give students more options.

Some advantages of the Jigsaw method are that students work together to learn, and they may put more value into the activity than a traditional learning method like lecture. Often, students learn better when they are doing the work themselves as part of a group. Another advantage to this method is that subjects can be covered in shorter times, while maintaining the quality of learning.

On the flip side, there are possible disadvantages to this method. For example, some students within groups may be overly dominant or shy, which may cause students to learn more about one subject and less about another. Another possibility with this method is that when students only research one part of the topic themselves, they may not completely understand the parts that other students researched.