JigSawDiscussion

=Jig-saw discussion of readings=

This method allows all members of a group to get up to steam on issues raised by a set of readings without everyone having read every reading in depth. If there are R readings and N people in the group, each reading should be assigned to X = N/R people to read it in depth. The activity works best, of course, if people read more than the one reading assigned to them.

Preparation
When reading the articles, identify items to highlight for someone who hasn't concentrated on reading the article -- these may include questions for clarification or debate. Imagine having to convey the significance of the case study/ theory/ conclusions to someone who had not heard of them before.

In the group meeting (class)
The articles in each group will be discussed in two steps: 1. In groups of X people who concentrated on reading the same article, discuss the article. Identify the key points and the issues you need clarified. Each person prepares a sheet of notes to use on step 2. (If X > 5, break into groups of 2-4 people.)

2. In groups of R people who read different articles, describe the key points and the issues your first group wanted clarified or subject to debate.

The discussion in groups may follow the guidelines for small group work, with roles merged to meet the number of people in the group.