Why a Jigsaw Lesson?
There are various teaching strategies that one could utilize to present information about the cultures of different countries.
However, I found that the jigsaw strategy would be the most effective to present this topic.
____________________________
What is the Jigsaw Strategy?
It is a technique in which students are broken up into groups and each member is given a specific aspect to become an “expert” on. Once they become informed on their subject, the students will come back to their original groups and teach other about their topics. Some times students do their research on their own, other times they go and work with students from other groups with the same topic. It all depends on the lesson, the classroom dynamics and what the teacher thinks will be most effective for his/her students. _____________________________Here’s why I think it is effective for this lesson:
* Students must make connections in order for true learning to take place. If I had students simply research on their own and write a paper, there wouldn’t be much opportunity for them to make sense of the material and find meaning to their own lives
* As educators are aware, students learn the most when teaching their peers. By teaching their group members about their specific topics for their given country, they ultimately become experts on their country as a whole!
* Students will also get the opportunity to present their final posters to the class and teach their classmates about their country
* All students learn in different ways. By giving them multiple means to learn and interact with their peers, there is a greater chance that all students can learn based on their specific preferences
* Students are given the opportunity to be creative with their posters, which increases their motivation!
* The class is also able to work on their interpersonal skills and what it means to work together successfully
* It is much more fun than writing a paper or simply taking a quiz or test
