Theory and Practice of the Constructive Jigsaw Method in Advancing Domain Knowledge and Skills in Parallel

Abstract

The Learning Sciences constitute a rapidly expanding discipline that focuses on the learning potential of humans. In this paper, I will discuss the particular learning mechanism involved in the concomitant advancement of domain knowledge and 21st century skills, as well as the Constructive Jigsaw Method of knowledge construction through collaboration-that is, collaborative problem solving. An especially important focus on knowledge construction separates routine experts from adaptive experts. While routine experts develop a core set of skills that they apply throughout their lives with increasing e‹ciency, adaptive experts are much more likely to change their core skills and continually expand the depth of their expertise. This restructuring of core ideas and skills may reduce their e‹ciency in the short run but make them more ‰exible in the long run. The Constructive Jigsaw Method employs a learning mechanism that encourages the development of adaptive experts. Under this method, studentsˆrst study a piece of material in an expert group. One member from each of several expert groups then joins a new study group, a jigsaw group. The members of this new group then combine what they have learned, creating new knowledge and a deeper understanding of the concept through collaboration, communication, and innovation.

The Student Grand Round: A Peer Teaching Initiative

“…One popular method of peer teaching is the "jigsaw" technique, in which each student specialises in a specific topic and subsequently collaborates with classmates to exchange their expertise. This technique fosters a deeper understanding of the subject matter and promotes the development of communication and teamwork skills [ 12 ]. Collaborative learning and the education reform for healthcare professionals demand that the emphasis be shifted from memorising facts to investigating, analysing, assimilating, and synthesising knowledge.…”

Impact of Jigsaw Technique on Improving University Students’ Self-Concept

“…In Iran, research has shown that the jigsaw collaborative approach has positive impacts on and improves self-concept and motivation of elementary school students (25). Fortunately, the collaborative jigsaw approach makes the members of a group gain a deeper understanding of science and helps them perceive a better mastery over a concept and create new knowledge (26). By applying the jigsaw approach, students, especially freshman university students, can develop an effective technique to deal with integrated subjects (15).…”