Jigsaw

Cooperative Jigsaw structures (Kagan, Coopertive learning resources for teachers) are basically characterized by teammates within a cooperative group each becoming expert in a field of study.

Steps that lead to a Cooperative Jigsaw:

1. Each Cooperative Group is assigned the same topic

2. Within each group, one or two members of the group is assigned a subtopic

3. Members research their subtopic and prepare their presentation

4. In order to practice their expertise on the researched subtopic, the expert members of each subtopic will be assigned to work together and present to one another their researched topic.

5. During these practice session of subtopics, the presenters should expect the other experts of the same subtopic to provide feedback. The purpose of such presentations to others who have researched the same subtopic is multi-fold. It provides opportunities to learn from other experts and thus perfect one's own expertise. Together, experts partners study their subtopic and plan effective ways to teach their subtopic and plan effective ways to teach important information when they turn to their Cooperative Group. Since practice is essential to success, such presentations would enable the experts to work on their presentation skills as well.