Jigsaw presentations, where students present their learning and information to their peers, are the most important part of the process. But did you know these 7 important things about them? In this post, we’ll talk more about the power of Jigsaw presentations and how to use them in your classroom.
Need a quick refresh on the Jigsaw Method? I’ve got you covered here.
Jigsaw Presentations Are Student Driven
After working in their expert groups to learn and digest the information, students will work in their group to create the presentation.
While the teacher or facilitator should check in often, they are not a part of the presentation. Likewise, while the expert group is presenting, the teacher should resist the temptation to jump in as much as possible.
They Use Varied Methods
No two Jigsaw presentations are alike, nor should they be. Students should choose a style they are comfortable with and develop their presentation from there. In the past I have seen students:
- Create a PowerPoint
- Create a movie trailer
- Make a poster
- Write a song, poem, or wrap
- Write a skit to act out for the class
- Use the whiteboard to give examples
- Perform a speech or dramatic reading
The possibilities are really endless, and should be treated as such. Students are responsible for relaying the information needed, but the method is entirely up to them.
Jigsaw Presentations Are Focused
Expert groups need to stay in their lane and focus on the information in their chunk. It is easy to try and cover it all, but that isn’t their job. By staying focused on their particular chunk, they can become more of an authority on that information.
Students Should Answer Questions
Since students are focused on one chunk from within the greater span of information they should be able to answer questions asked about that chunk.
After each Jigsaw presentation, it is important to allow time for students to ask questions of the expert group. In fact, I require each group to answer at least two questions.
Jigsaw Presentations Follow a Rubric
While presentation methods can vary widely, they must all cover the information and follow a basic rubric. It is important that you develop a rubric, hopefully with your students, that meets the needs of your classroom.
Items to include in the rubric may include factual information, ability to teach the information, being able to answer questions, and quality of presentation.
When you work with students to create the rubric, they can then self assess their presentation before giving it.
They Are Full of Repetition
Repetition of information allows learners to take it in more fully and connect with their scheme. Jigsaw presentations should include a good deal of repetition in order to let it all sink in.
It is vital that students understand this does not mean saying the same thing five times, but rather saying it multiple times in a different way.
They Are Creative
Jigsaw presentations allow students to express their creativity and show what they have learned to their peers. Making sure materials and resources are available for students to use their full range of creativity is important to ensure we don’t stifle their process.
Providing a source of varying materials allow students to think outside the presentation box and really shine in their own ways.
Jigsaw Presentations Benefits
In the end, Jigsaw presentations allow students a way to become the authority on their chunk of information and give them ownership of teaching their peers. This, in and of itself, is a boon for their self-esteem and builds community among expert group team members and the whole class due to the interdependence required.
This means, not only are students steeped in content, they are working on building their social-emotional intelligence. Can we say win-win?
Ready to Start Today?
Check out these pre-made Jigsaw resources that include chunked informational passages, ideas for presentations, scaffolded note-taking pages, and an assessment.
