Have you tried using the Jigsaw Method for review? Traditionally, this strategy is used for learning information, but it is a powerful review tool too! After reading this post you will want to use this review method today.
First, if you need a quick review of the Jigsaw Method yourself, you can do so here.
#1 Students Have Ownership
The Jigsaw Method is the perfect way to give students ownership of their learning as well as teaching their learning to their peers. When you use the strategy for review you are telling students they are in charge of making sure everyone gets the information they need to be prepared for assessment, quite the responsibility.
#2 Learning Connections Are Made
The connections students make while performing a Jigsaw are invaluable. When reviewing information to prepare for presenting it to their peers, students are able to deepen these connections as well as forge new connections to cement their learning.
#3 Students Hear Information Differently
Sometimes a teacher can say something a thousand times and it won’t stick, but when someone else says it, especially a peer, it hits home.
When you use the jigsaw method for review, students are able to hear the information in a different way. This varied approach to teaching and reviewing the information helps lead to mastery.
#4 You Learn Best By Teaching
It is said, you don’t really know something until you can teach it. Using the Jigsaw Method for review really drives this point home. Students are required to work in their expert groups to present the information to the class in a way that makes sense and is unique to them.
Additionally, expert groups should be able to answer questions about their content. Of course, the teacher is ready to help when needed with this aspect.
#5 Repetition of Information is Key
The average number of times a learner needs to hear or read something before it sticks is seven times. That is a lot, so the more repetition the better.
Using the Jigsaw Method for review allows students to review the information multiple times and then present it an additional time. In fact, when chunking information and grouping students I will often give the chunk students are most struggling with so they have more chances of repetition with it.
Using the Jigsaw Method for Review
While the Jigsaw Method may not traditionally be used for review, it is an awesome tool that allows:
- Students to take ownership of their learning
- Deepens connections to content
- Gives the opportunity to hear information differently
- Puts students in charge of teaching the review
- Provides a chance for repetition to build towards mastery.
Jigsaw Method for Review Made Even Better
Check out these pre-made Jigsaw resources that include chunked informational passages, ideas for presentations, scaffolded note-taking pages, and an assessment.
