I, too, am trying to implement the jigsaw activity into my classes as I thought of it as a fun alternative to lecturing on some of the "less entertaining topics" and something the students could truly learn from. I am currently using it to finish teaching a unit on juvenile justice. It is working OK, but I have seen that there are some kinks that I need to work out. For one, it has taken a lot longer than expected and planned for. I originally planned just to give students one class day (54minutes) to prepare their lesson. Well, that one hour class period has turned into four. I only gave each group about 2 1/2 pages worth of information to teach, yet it is taking them FOREVER to get their lesson together. Maybe this is simply something I can learn from and simply use to plan better int he future or should I have stuck with a one to two day time limit? I know they have been working because I have been monitoring their progress so that is why I have allowed them more time. Is that OK?
Then, of course, you've got those within the group that contribute more than others. I actually had one student suggest that I was making them do this because I was being too lazy to teach the information! This same student, as well as a few others, expressed that they would rather me lecture and have them take notes because they learn better that way...maybe I shouldn't say this, but I've come to learn that someone is going to complain no matter what we do. I have somewhat accepted that and have decided that this will not keep me from doing different things within my classroom, yet it can be quite upsetting to hear at times. I think it is quite common for us, as human beings, to complain about things we are not custom to or things that differ from typical methods.
Overall, I have liked how it has worked and have heard a lot more positive feedback than negative. The groups will begin teaching their assigned information on tomorrow and I am rather anxious to see how they do! I commented on our classmates post who wrote about the jigsaw method as well in hopes that we can collaborate together to perfect the use of this method within the classroom. I think that it is a wonderful way to teach some of the information to students and I think they will get more out of it (in the end) than they would if I simply stood up and lectured.
This site is a class blog space for new Career and Technical Specializations and Heathcare Science teachers enrolled in the New Teacher Institute (NTI) at Georgia State University in Atlanta, Georgia.
Rules For Posting To This Blog and Weekly Blog Question
1. Only use your first name (no last names, addresses, IM screen names, etc.)
2. Show respect and consideration of others when posting and commenting. This includes individuals, students, organizations, political parties, colleagues, etc.
3. Check all posts for spelling and grammar errors before posting.
4. Protect the privacy of others. Gain permission from other people before you write about them. Avoid sharing someone else's last name. Use job titles or pseudonyms when writing about experiences with your co-workers or students.
5. Watch your language. Use politically correct and non-offensive language.
6. Make sure you write about things that are factual.
7. Keep your postings education-oriented. Avoid discussing plans for the weekend, etc.
2. Show respect and consideration of others when posting and commenting. This includes individuals, students, organizations, political parties, colleagues, etc.
3. Check all posts for spelling and grammar errors before posting.
4. Protect the privacy of others. Gain permission from other people before you write about them. Avoid sharing someone else's last name. Use job titles or pseudonyms when writing about experiences with your co-workers or students.
5. Watch your language. Use politically correct and non-offensive language.
6. Make sure you write about things that are factual.
7. Keep your postings education-oriented. Avoid discussing plans for the weekend, etc.
FINAL BLOG POST - OUR "DAILY TRIPLE" (DUE 12/1).
This week I would like you to use your imagination. You have just won the lottery and will leave your teaching post immediately to travel around the world. As you leave your keys you meet your replacement. You are asked to give this new teacher just ONE piece of advice. What would that be, and why? Enjoy your world expedition!
Blog Post - Week 7
This past week in my own teaching I felt a little disconnected which prompts my question to you, "What was the moment (or moments) when I felt most disconnected or disengaged as a teacher - the moment(s) I said to myself, I'm just going through the motions here?"
Fall Semester 2016 Blog Post - Week 6
For the past couple of weeks you have experienced asynchronous online learning (doing modules by yourself). Previously this semester you have experienced synchronous online learning (all together in the Collaborate room). Which do you think is more effective and why do you think that? Which do you like better, and why?
Fall Semester 2016 Blog Post - Week 5
This week we have what we call "open mic." You can write a post about anything related to your teaching that you would like responses from your classmates.
Fall Semester 2016 Blog Post - Week 4
Here is this week's question: "What was the event that most took me surprise this week - and event that shook me up, caught me off guard, gave me a jolt, or made me unexpectedly happy?"
Fall Semester 2016 Blog Post - Week 3
Please write a post about the following question, "In thinking about my past week teaching what is one thing I would do differently, and why?"
Fall Semester 2016 Blog Post - Week 2
Please write a post about the following question, " In thinking about my teaching activities this past week, of what do I feel most proud? Why?"
Fall Semester 2016 Blog Post - Week 1
Describe something you used in your program in the first weeks of school that you learned in the summer NTI program. How did it work? Did it get you off to a stronger start than last year?
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