Collaboration Online: The Application of Jigsaw Instructional Strategy

Abstract

BRIEF SESSION DESCRIPTION:

Effectively promoting student interactions and collaboration in a digital environment is critical for student success.à This presentation outlines step-by-step how instructors can design and implement a group activity that supports students to work together as a team and accomplish a common goal in an online environment. By using a Jigsaw method, the group activity is structured so that each student has to be responsible for a predetermined task, as well as contribute to the team.à The challenges of Jigsaw design in the digital world include the use of technology to support pedagogy, student preparation, timelines, and level of guided instructions. Tested tips to mitigate challenges will be shared.à There will be time for a discussion on how participants can apply the Jigsaw design to support courses in their disciplines.à Presenters will provide discipline-specific examples that have been built and taught in online courses that are relevant to participant interests. If time allows, additional variations of the Jigsaw design will be discussed.

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àFULL ABSTRACT: Effectively promoting student interactions and collaboration in a digital environment is critical. àThe purpose of this presentation is to introduce online group collaboration using the Jigsaw instructional strategy and to discuss the challenges of online collaborative activities using the Jigsaw design. Jigsaw is an instructional strategy that breaks students into groups to collaboratively work on an assignment, which is separated into smaller tasks, and reach consensus regarding a final outcome. àThe Jigsaw method structures the group activity so that each student has to be responsible for a predetermined task as well as contribute to the team. The challenges of Jigsaw design in the digital world include the use of technology to support pedagogy, studentsââ¬â¢ characteristics, timelines, and guided instructions. Students will have to prepare themselves to work like an expert and no group can completely succeed unless everyone works well together as a team.àThis presentation highlights online collaboration and shows how instructors ensure students will work together as a team to accomplish the goal in an online environment. Presenters will share examples that have been built and taught in online courses. Also, the steps and tips for Jigsaw activity design and implementation will be presented. The audience will understand how to apply the Jigsaw design to support their pedagogy of online collaboration. The variations of the Jigsaw designs might be discussed and examined if time permits. At the end of the presentation, participants will understand how to apply the Jigsaw design and what they should consider when they ask students to collaborate in a fully online environment or blended setting.àFor more information about collaborative learning:àhttps://stearnscenter.gmu.edu/teaching/collaborative-learning