METHOD 16: Jigsaw Activities

This methodology builds cooperation and enables participants to teach each other. Divide an issue into several sub-topics (e.g., different arguments for and against the death penalty), and assign each sub-topic to a different small groups (e.g., 5 groups of 5 people). Each group works together to learn more about its aspect of the topic (e.g., do research, discuss, read handouts). When the initial group has informed itself, assign new groups containing one person from each initial group. Each member of the new group is then responsible for sharing her or his information or point of view on the sub-topic, thus covering many aspects of a topic.

Example of Method:

• Here and Now: "Human Rights around the World and at Home." [humanrts.umn.edu/edumat/hreduseries/hereandnow/Default.htm]