Number 1 of the 6 Most Impactful Instructional Strategies
This article kicks off the first of the six MOST IMPACTFUL instructional strategies for educators from John Hattie’s study. To learn more about this study, read this introduction article.
The first student learning impact is an instructional strategy that can be incorporated in any classroom. According to John Hattie, teachers who use the Jigsaw Method can positively impact student learning with an effect size of 1.20. (Remember, anything above 1.0 has the potential to increase student learning by 50%, which equates to nearly two grade levels in a single school year.)
The history of the Jigsaw Method is fascinating!
It was first developed in 1971 by social psychologist Elliot Aronson, who was tasked with helping students in Austin, TX reduce racial tension and hostility in their recently desegregated school system. Aronson created the Jigsaw classroom, which aimed to reduce the traditional competitive nature of academics, required students to learn from one another, and helped students realize that they could not be successful unless they trusted each other in the classroom.
And…it worked!
The initial Jigsaw classroom saw the following benefits:
Academically, students outperformed their peers in non-Jigsaw classes.
Emotionally, students experienced increased levels of self-esteem, which included increased feelings of “enjoying school.”
Socially, students increased their levels of empathy towards their classmates.
Where’s the Research?
Hattie based his effect size on the meta-analysis of Badti (2014), which included 37 different studies related to Jigsaw instruction and student achievement.
What does the Jigsaw Method look like in the classroom?
While most teachers are likely familiar with the Jigsaw Method, here is a quick review to ensure that all steps are followed for maximum student learning effectiveness:
Divide students into groups of 4-6, preferably the same number of students in each group.
Divide the content to cover into the same number of sections as the number of students in each group. (Groups of 5 require dividing the content into 5 chunks.)
Assign one chunk of content to each person in the “Jigsaw group.”
Students are given a set amount of time to work independently to read and understand their assigned text/content/topic.
Have students meet in “Expert groups.”
In Expert groups, students work collaboratively to compare notes, share ideas, and summarize content to share with their Jigsaw group.
Students then return to their Jigsaw group and each student presents their Expert group’s information while the other students listen carefully, take notes, and ask questions for clarity. This step relies heavily on interdependence.
NEVER SKIP THE LAST TWO STEPS!
Assess all students with a formative quiz on ALL of the content covered.
Allow time for students to reflect on their learning process and fill in any gaps of understanding.
Below I included a few topics that might be Jigsaw-worthy in your classroom:
Reflection Time:
What is just one topic that you currently teach that would be perfect for using the Jigsaw Method?
If you currently use Jigsaw instruction, consider inviting a teacher on your staff to your classroom to come and watch it in action.
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