Jigsaw Problem Solving

Jigsaw Problem Solving

Teams solve each problem using the unique clues provided by each teammate.

Set-up: Teacher prepares clue cards (minimum one per student) and game board, if necessary.

Steps:

1. Clue cards are dealt out randomly, as evenly as possible to teammates.

2. Student 1 reads one of his/her cards, explains the implication of the clue, and carries out that clue.

3. Teammates check, then praise or coach.

4. Student 2 reads one of his/her cards, explains, and carries out the clue.

5. Teammates check then praise or coach.

6. Steps two and three are carried out for each teammate in turn until all clues have been carried out and performed.

7. When finished, teammates check their solution and celebrate.

Social Skills: Agreeing, Coaching, Checking for Understanding, learning to critique an idea not a person.

Good For: Verbal/Linguistic, Logical/Mathematical and Bodily/Kineasthetic if manipulatives are used.

Ideas for Class: To uncover the arrangement of a star, circle, square and triangle, each student receives one clue. 1) The circle is not in the middle. 2) The triangle is not on the end. 3) The star is to the left of the square. 4) The square is to the right of the circle. Each student reads his/her clue card and independently decides what can be concluded from the clue. Teammates check to see if they all agree before the person acts on the clue. Jigsaw Problem Solving ensures all students are included. Students can build 3-D models, working on different views e.g. Top View, Side View, Left/Right View, all manner of charts, graphs and diagrams.