Ready-to-use classroom activity
Jigsaw Discussion
Students form expert groups to master content, then reform into mixed groups where each student teaches their expertise.
Grade range
Works across
Activity style
Jigsaw Discussion
Students form expert groups to master content, then reform into mixed groups where each student teaches their expertise.
Example lesson: Ancient Civilizations (History - 6th Grade)
Materials
- Expert texts for each civilization (Egypt, Greece, Rome, China, Maya)
- Expert group worksheets
- Home group graphic organizers
- Visual aids for each civilization
- Role cards (discussion leader, timekeeper, note-taker, questioner)
Preparation
Prepare expert texts at appropriate reading levels, focusing on key aspects (government, religion, achievements, daily life) for each civilization. Create structured worksheets for both expert and home groups.
Run the activity
- Assign each student to both an expert group (civilization) and a home group (mixed civilizations).
- Expert Group Phase (15-20 minutes):
- Students with the same civilization gather
- Read and discuss expert materials on their civilization
- Complete expert worksheet focusing on key aspects
- Prepare to teach this content to others
- Create a visual aid to support teaching
- Home Group Phase (20-25 minutes):
- Students regroup so each home group has one expert from each civilization
- Each expert teaches their civilization (3-4 minutes each)
- Group members ask clarifying questions
- All students complete graphic organizer with information about all civilizations
- Comparison Activity (10-15 minutes):
- Home groups identify similarities and differences across civilizations
- Create a comparison chart focusing on innovations, governance, and cultural practices
- Assessment: Individual response to the question: 'What factors contributed to the success of ancient civilizations?'
Differentiation
Provide recorded audio of expert texts for struggling readers. For advanced students, add primary sources to expert materials. Adjust group roles based on student strengths.
Assessment
Evaluate contributions in expert groups, quality of teaching in home groups, and completeness of graphic organizers. Use final written response to assess synthesis skills.