Jig-saw discussion of readings

The jig-saw 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 (or document) 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.)

Instructions to Participants

Preparation

As you read, identify items to highlight when you talk with someone who has not concentrated on that reading. You want to be able to help them appreciate the significance of the case study, theory, or conclusions presented in the reading. Items to highlight may include questions or issues that you think need clarification or debate.

In the group meeting (or class)

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

2. Cross-cutting groups: In groups of R people who read different readings, describe the key points and the issues that your common group wanted clarified or subject to debate.

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

Variant of the Instructions

Choose for yourself which of the readings to read. In steps 1 and 2 above, the common groups and the cross-cutting groups may be of different size and not every reading will end up covered by every cross-cutting group. (If you are the only person to have read some reading, skip step 1 and do step 2 twice. The first time around you join up with any others in the same singleton boat as you.)