Math 3-6

Jigsaw

Overview

As students work with and process information by discussing, organizing, and sharing it together, they deepen their understanding. When learners dive into understanding a concept or worked example with a small group and then share their understanding with different students, everyone actively practices their math skills.

Use It in the Classroom

Watch as this math teacher uses jigsaw to review concepts and problems with her students. Each student becomes an expert on particular problems within a group setting and then shares their learning with other students.

Teachers can increase math talk in their classrooms, and in turn strengthen students' Math Communication skills and Mathematical Flexibility, by having students tackle new material in a jigsaw activity. Also, by having students first review new material independently before moving into small groups, teachers can support learners' varying Speeds of Processing.

Design It into Your Product

Videos are chosen as examples of strategies in action. These choices are not endorsements of the products or evidence of use of research to develop the feature.

Starting at 1:16, learn how Popplet allows students to collaboratively create shareable presentations. These presentations can be created in the first jigsaw group and support students when sharing their expertise in the second group.

Developers can create prompts and spaces for structured small group discussions so students have the opportunity to think, try, and workshop their ideas on math concepts, such as Operations and Algebraic Thinking, into a presentation for sharing with other members of the class.

View References

Resources

Below are additional examples, research, and professional development. These resources are possible representations of this strategy, not endorsements.

Cooperative Learning

When and how to use cooperative learning activities, including jigsaw

Developing Behaviors for Cooperative Learning

Module by Sanford Inspire

Feedback & Peer Assessment

Subtopic that explores research on the effects of quality, type, and source of feedback on student learning on Digital Promise's Research Map

Jigsaw Planning

Description and templates for elementary and secondary classrooms

Jigsaw and Jigsaw II

Video about two ways to implement jigsaw

Language, Space & Time

Subtopic that explores how language can shape our perception and representation of abstract concepts on Digital Promise's Research Map

Learning Communities

Subtopic that includes research on communities of learners on Digital Promise's Research Map

Factors Supported by this Strategy

Mathematics

Math Communication

Mathematical Flexibility

Operations

Cognition

Student Background

Math Learning Environment

Physical Well-being

Safety

Sleep

More Cooperative Learning Strategies

Collaborative Problem Solving

As students solve problems in a group, they learn new strategies and practice communicating their mathematical thinking.

Gallery Walk

As students walk through stations working in small groups, the social and physical nature of the learning supports deeper understanding.

Math Talks

When students have meaningful conversations about math and use math vocabulary, they develop the thinking, questioning, and explanation skills needed to master mathematical concepts.

Peer Teaching

Having students teach their knowledge, skills, and understanding to their classmates strengthens learning.

Reciprocal Teaching

Students deepen their understanding and gain confidence in their learning when they explain to and receive feedback from others.

Think-Pair-Share

Students deepen their math understanding as they use and hear others use specific math language in informal ways.

Jigsaw

Overview

Use It in the Classroom

Design It into Your Product

Resources

Factors Supported by this Strategy

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