Teachers are constantly trying to find new ways to engage students and enhance their understanding of what they are learning. The Jigsaw method is a great way for students to work together and build on their knowledge by learning from each other.
This Social Interactive Model consists of 4 components:
Positive Interdependence
Individual Accountability
Group Processing
Social Skills
Each of these components are expressed throughout this method. In order to learn more about this method as well as act out how the students would perform this method, Dr. Smirnova placed us into 5 groups none as our home groups. In our home groups, each us were given a role. We each chose a component to focus on. My role was the Lesson Plan aspect of Collaborative Learning.
We were split again into our expert groups. These groups contained the people from the other groups who were doing the same role that I was doing. We each split up the sections of the Lesson Plan that we would focus on and composed a PowerPoint presentation.
By the next class, we all got into our home groups and each took a turn showing our presentations to each other. As experts on our specific topics, we needed to teach the rest of the group what we had learned in order for the rest of the members to gain a better understanding of our topic. Each expert group also composed a small quiz for the group members to take individually to test on what they have learned.
I think that this was an excellent way for us to understand what the purpose of Jigsaw is and how to demonstrate the Jigsaw method in the classroom. Every person in the group becomes a puzzle piece and must solve the task that each person is given in order to connect the puzzle as well as reach an entire result. It is important for students to be responsible for their own work when they are learning as well as build on their knowledge from their peers. I will definitely be using this in my future classrooms and I recommend all teachers to do the same!
One of the most engaging type of lessons are the Cooperative Learning lessons. Cooperative Learning occurs when students work together and contribute in their own way in order to complete the project or activity successfully. This method allows for students to gain a better understanding of what they are learning by working with their peers while having responsibilities to contribute so that each student has a chance to share their ideas.
A model is defined as an approach to the teaching. There are many different approaches to Cooperative Learning Lessons. Here are 4 models of Cooperative Learning Lessons:
1. Behavior Model: This model is used to change the behavior of the student by teaching the skills and knowledge.
2. Information Processing Model: This model accepts the students as critical thinkers. It engages the students in processing information and allows students to interpret it. The teacher develops the students critical thinking skills on how to process and reflect information. Students learn best when they are able to retain the information that they are learning into their memories Teachers can use this information processing model by reviewing the lesson from the day before. Some examples of the Information Processing Method includes: Reviewing the last lesson, making connections.
3. Social Interactive Model: This model's goal is to have the students working with each other. It develops the students social and communication skills. The students learn better when they collaborate and exchange ideas.
4. Personal Model: This model is used for the students individual learning. It helps students to develop their self-esteem and identities.
A method is defined as a way of teaching. Teachers try to find ways on how to reach each child in the classroom. Here are some effective methods that will help engage the students in the classroom:
Direct Instruction Method: This is a teacher controlled method where the teacher teaches the students the lesson and models it using examples. Some examples of the Direct Instruction Method includes: lectures, demonstrations, home exercises.
Indirect Instruction Method:This is a student centered method where students form hypotheses, observing, investigating, and drawing inferences from collected data. The students use the scientific method to explore the problems that they are given. Some examples of the Indirect Instruction Method includes: problem solving and case studies.
Social Interactive Method: This is a student centered method where students have the chance to interact with their peers and gain a better understanding of what they are learning by learning from their peers ideas and building onto their ideas by contributing their input. In this method, each student has a chance to share their thoughts and ideas. Each student is responsible for their own input and is needed in order to successfully contribute to the project or activity. Some examples of the Social Interactive Method includes: debates, role playing, and the Jigsaw Method.
The Jigsaw Method is best described as a puzzle. Every person in the group becomes a puzzle piece and gets a task to solve in order to reach an entire result. In order to complete the puzzle, or task, each person is needed to contribute.
These are examples of some great Cooperative Learning Models and Methods. I will definitely be incorporating these models and methods into my future classroom.
Assessments are a major component to Social Studies, as well as many other subjects. They are needed to get an understanding on whether the students understand the lesson or need more review or help on the topic.
Assessments are defined as the process of collecting data. It is the means to determine a student's mastery and understanding of the information, skills, concepts, and procedures. It consists of Measurement, Evaluation, and Feedback. There are 3 types of assessments that are used in teaching lessons: Diagnostic, Formative, Summative.
1. Diagnostic: the Pre-Assessment. It is used to measure what the student's prior-knowledge and understanding of the topic. Examples: KWLs, Journal Entries, Pre-tests.
2. Formative: During the Lesson. This is ongoing and checks for student's understanding while the learning is still happening. Examples: Graphic Organizers, Response Logs, Discussion.
3. Summative: Occurs at the end of the lesson. This sums up the lesson or topic that was learned and it gives a chance to look at the student's performance. Examples: Chapter/Unit Tests, Class Projects, Presentations.
Assessments are: Authentic, real life, meaningful, and aligned with instruction.
Multidimensional with long term feedback.
Performance-based as well as product and process driven.
Authentic Assessments are the type of assessments where students need to apply what they are learning to the real world. Students complete projects based on real world issues. Students are usually active and engaged in this type of assessment. Authentic Assessment has multiple measures where students apply their talents, skills, and attitudes.
Authentic Assessment are NOT a punishment, it is a gift. They are only product driven as well as factual-based, single discipline, and memorization driven.
There are many things that can be assessed such as Readiness, Interest, and Learning Profile.
Readiness: includes skills, concepts, and content knowledge
Interest: such as Interest Surveys, Interest Centers, and Self-Selection.
Learning Profile: such as the areas of the students strengths and weaknesses, work preferences, and self-awareness.
Many of us are familiar with the term, Social Studies, but do we really know the meaning and importance of it? Social Studies can be defined as a collaboration of different disciplines and skills. Some of the skills that social studies includes are geological, philosophical, law, historical, psychological, etc.
What really puts the meaning behind the importance of social studies is its powerful elements. 1st element: MeaningfulSocial studies is engaging to the students in that it incorporates real world situations into the lessons. 2nd element:Integrative Social studies draws on more than one discipline, subject, or skill. 3rd element: Value-BasedThere is a sense of democratic values and social responsibility when learning about social studies. 4th element: ChallengingSocial studies lessons should incorporate different perspectives and draw on critical thinking skills. 5th element: ActiveSocial studies lessons should have hands on and/or minds on methods. This includes giving the students the chance to participate or use Manipulatives.
There has been a tremendous amount of research that shows the students are able to remember and understand the lessons more when they are able to interact with their peers and physically practice doing the lesson or topic. Students are able to gain a better understanding of what they are learning when they are able to share and reflect with their peers by learning from one another and building onto one another's ideas. Below is the calculated research that shows the Percentage that is Retained in Memory. Percentage that is Retained in Memory:
Reading: 10 %
Audiovisual: 20%
Demonstration: 30%
Discussion: 50%
Practice Doing: 75%
Teach Others: 90%
A helpful resource for teachers teaching social studies to keep in mind is the Structure of Knowledge that was created by Jerome Bruner. This structure is a helpful structure that teachers should follow in order to effectively teach social studies lessons. Structure of Knowledge (Jerome Bruner)
1. Meta-Cognition: Learning about learning and thinking about thinking; students need to reflect in order to process what they have learned.
2. Generalizations: Students apply what they are learning to their lives in order to make connections.
3. Concepts: It is important to organize them
4. Facts: It is important for students to retain what they have learned
Teachers are constantly trying to find new ways to engage students and enhance their understanding of what they are learning. The Jigsaw method is a great way for students to work together and build on their knowledge by learning from each other.
