ESL Jigsaws

What is a Jigsaw?

The jigsaw method can be described as "info gap squared."

In the jigsaw form of instruction, the target material is divided, usually into four parts, and distributed to small groups to learn.

When these homogeneous groups have mastered their material, students regroup into heterogeneous groups to present material and complete a task.

Peer teaching and group problem solving are used to complete the jigsaw.

Initially, your classroom would look like this:

A A            B B            C C            D D    

A A            B B            C C            D D

Once students have mastered their material, your classroom would look like this:

A B            A B             A B            A B   

C D            C D            C D            C D

If you don't have even multiples of four, your classroom could look like this:

A B            A B             A B B         A B   

C D            C D            C D            C D

Or this:

A B            A B             A BB         A B   

C D            C D            C D           C  C D

Or this:

A B  –––>  A               A B            A B   

C D            C D            C D            C D

Alternatively, jigsaws can be divided into five parts or three. Get creative!

If you would like to know more about the rationale for using jigsaws in your classroom, click here.

For more information on the jigsaw teaching method, from the official site for the jigsaw classroom, please click here.