How is cooperative learning used in instruction?
SELF-CHECK ITEM: Explain how each of the following cooperative learning methods encourages student development of critical thinking and problem solving: (1) Jigsaw; (2) Learning Together; (3) Group Investigation; (4) cooperative scripting. POSSIBLE ANSWER: • Jigsaw: In the Jigsaw method, students are placed in groups of four to six, depending on the type of Jigsaw strategy employed. Students are then assigned a specific topic or section on which they become experts. Experts from each group meet to discuss their assigned material. These discussions encourage critical thinking because different students have different perspectives on the material, challenging each other s thinking. Therefore, Jigsaw learning encourages cognitive development. Finally, students bring their expertise back to their group for integration into a final product, an act of group problem solving. The hope is that student motivation is facilitated, as students are motivated to learn from experts. • Learning togethe
