Berg feels that the most important plus of jigsaw learning is that the students are creating their own meaning and proving that they really have learned the material. Months after she did a myth unit that included a jigsaw activity in which her students talked about and investigated myths, some of Berg's students were doing a synonym project. They used Medusa as an example of a synonym for ugly. Others went on to write their own myths. To Berg, this was proof that the activity encouraged the class members to develop a fuller understanding of the concept of a myth.
Adolescents love their peers.
They are very social, active people, and jigsaw activities feed into their developmental needs. Although this method has strong positives for students, Berg recognizes that it isn't a cure-all. It will not solve all the ills of public education, but it is one tool that helps our students make their own connections while we observe their thinking. If we know how students think, we are better able as teachers to correct any misconceptions they may have. Inc. All Rights Reserved.