What are the best practices for using the jigsaw cooperative learning model in elementary schools?

2 Prepare the materials

Before you implement the jigsaw model, you need to prepare the materials that your students will use to learn and teach each piece of the topic. You can use a variety of sources, such as textbooks, articles, videos, podcasts, websites, or hands-on activities. Make sure that the materials are accessible, accurate, and engaging for your students, and that they cover the essential information and skills that you want them to learn. You also need to prepare the instructions and guidelines for each group, such as the roles, responsibilities, time limits, and expectations for the learning and teaching process.

3 Form the groups

The jigsaw model requires two types of groups: the expert groups and the jigsaw groups. The expert groups are composed of students who focus on the same piece of the topic, and the jigsaw groups are composed of students who have different pieces of the topic. You can form the groups randomly, or based on criteria such as ability, interest, or diversity. The ideal size of each group is four to six students, depending on the complexity and number of pieces of the topic. You should also assign or rotate the roles of each group member, such as leader, recorder, presenter, or evaluator.

4 Implement the model

The jigsaw model has four main steps: 1) The expert groups learn their piece of the topic, using the materials and instructions that you provided. They should discuss, summarize, and practice how to teach their piece to others. 2) The expert groups disband and form the jigsaw groups, with one expert from each piece of the topic. 3) The experts take turns teaching their piece to their jigsaw group members, who should listen, ask questions, and take notes. 4) The jigsaw groups demonstrate their understanding of the whole topic, through a quiz, a project, a presentation, or a discussion.

5 Monitor and evaluate

Throughout the jigsaw model, you should monitor and evaluate the progress and performance of each group and each student. You should observe how they interact, communicate, and collaborate with each other, and provide feedback, guidance, or support as needed. You should also assess how well they learn and teach their piece of the topic, and how well they integrate and apply the knowledge and skills from the whole topic. You can use various methods of assessment, such as rubrics, checklists, portfolios, or self- and peer-assessments. You should also encourage your students to reflect on their learning and teaching experience, and share their feedback, challenges, and successes with you and their peers.