Overview:
A lesson about the functions of the various lobes of the brain that utilizes a jigsaw instructional model
Work description:
Designed lesson and supporting responsive HTML/CSS webpage. Lesson design included the identification of learner resources (including relevant case studies) and the development of research questions.
Learner target:
Secondary level students in a biology or psychology course
Technology employed:
Dreamweaver, Fireworks
Theoretical foundations:
A jigsaw is an online instructional technique where a complex topic is broken into “pieces” and divvied up across multiple individuals (or small groups). Each individual becomes an expert on their particular project dimension and then presents (and teaches) it to their fellow learners. Jigsaws promote cooperation over competition as learners are dependent upon one another to develop an integrative understanding of the topic. As such, having a consistent research/presentation design across groups is important. For example, in this jigsaw, each group has a case study to explore involving damage to their particular brain lobe. A jigsaw lesson is a prime example of learner centered instruction.
