Jigsaw

"The Jigsaw method is a cooperative learning technique in which students work in small groups. Jigsaw can  be used in a variety of ways for a variety of goals, but it is primarily used for the acquisition and presentation of new material, review, or informed debate. In this method, each group member is assigned to become an "expert" on some aspect of a unit of study. After reading about their area of expertise, the experts from different groups meet to discuss their topic, and then return to their groups and take turns teaching their topics to their group mates."

Jigsaw Method

Collaboration is a huge part of what education can offer today. The jigsaw method that is previously described is one way that teachers can create an environment where students work together to achieve a collaborated result. When working towards a common goal, I feel as if the effort put forth by students is greater. It is like a team working together to be as successful as they possibly can.

If you had five computers in your classroom you could divide students into jigsaw groups of five people and have students from separate groups create their "expert group" to work together researching their specific topics on the five computers. Once students complete research they can regroup with the jigsaw folks and present information they found. This contributes to several motives of collaboration for students.

Benefits of this method include group work, interaction, communication and respect for peers. This is a drawn out process that students could get worn out on if repeated multiple times. I do like this method as a strategy to mix up the structure of a classroom.