About This Template
The jigsaw method turns students into teachers. This template organizes home teams, directs expert group inquiries, guides return peer teaching, and verifies learning through randomized checks.
How It Works
- Form Home Groups (7 Minutes). The Group Generator divides the class into balanced four-person home teams. The board slide assigns each member a designated topic number (1 through 4), with roles distributed within each team.
- Expert Group Deep Dive (20 Minutes). All students assigned to the same topic assemble at designated stations. Three inquiry prompts and the Timer with a gentle warning signal at eighteen minutes ensure each expert group synthesizes actionable talking points.
- Return to Home Teams (16 Minutes). Students return to their original home groups where each expert teaches their section (four minutes per person). A note in the Text widget directs peers to take active notes on each segment.
- Formative Accountability Check (12 Minutes). Four students are randomly selected using the Random Name Picker to explain a topic they did not research themselves. Home group peers cannot intervene, quickly revealing how effectively teaching occurred.
- Classroom Clarifications (10 Minutes). Address emerging misconceptions as a whole group. Dedicated synthesis time ensures students consolidate knowledge across all four topics.
Adaptations & Variations
In a classroom of 24 students, create six home groups of four students, resulting in four expert tables of six. This represents the practical ceiling: groups larger than six tend to experience uneven participation.
For a 45-minute single period, reduce content to three concise sections instead of four. Keep the accountability check intact by calling on three students; without this check, the jigsaw risks turning into passive reading.
In mixed-ability classrooms, differentiate text segments by complexity and assign numbers intentionally. The Work Phase widget set to collaborative group work helps maintain productive room volume. Additional cooperative strategies are covered in our guide to Organizing Group Work.
To introduce inquiry topics before breaking into groups, consider using our Think-Pair-Share template. For modular self-paced tasks, use our Station Rotation template.
Preparation
- Quick setup. Divide your reading text into four distinct segments and print copies.
- Verify that each text segment is self-contained and makes sense independently.
- Enter your class roster into the group tool and random name picker beforehand.
- Designate the physical classroom areas where the four expert groups will meet.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are these whiteboard templates free?
Yes. All templates and all classroom tools are completely free to use without an account. Premium costs $2.49 per month and syncs your custom board layouts across devices, with the first month free. Student teachers receive permanently free Premium with verification.
How are expert groups organized?
The board assigns numbers one through four within each home team. All students with the same number meet at designated expert tables to master that specific text.
How do you ensure accountability?
The random name picker calls on students to explain an unfamiliar topic taught by their teammate. Knowing anyone may be called on keeps attention high during peer teaching.
