Collaborative student learning in chemistry
9 likes3,302 views
The document discusses using the Jigsaw technique in chemistry classrooms to enhance collaborative student learning. It explains that the goal is to try more effective teaching strategies to motivate students and turn labs into learning communities. By the end of the module, readers should be able to define and explain the benefits of Jigsaw, how to apply it to chemistry, and evaluate its effectiveness after implementing it in their own classrooms. Key points include outlining the six phases of a Jigsaw classroom, benefits of collaborative learning, and applying it to explanatory chemistry topics through an example video analysis activity.
Collaborative student learning in chemistry
- 1. Collaborative Student Learning in Chemistry Using the Jigsaw Technique in the Chemistry classroom to enhance learning by Richard Zahra R. Zahra 1
- 2. Our Shared Goal: To try out new and more effective Chemistry teaching strategies (within our system constraints) in order to motivate our students to learn and turn our labs into more effective learning communities where students of different abilities are given the opportunity to achieve their full potential. R. Zahra 2
- 3. By the end of the module you should be able to: Define the Jigsaw learning technique. Explain the educational benefits that collaborative learning methods such as Jigsaw bring about. R. Zahra 3
- 4. By the end of the module you should be able to: Explain how the Jigsaw technique can be applied to the Chemistry classroom effectively. Analyse a real classroom situation in which Jigsaw was tried out and reflect on and evaluate its effectiveness. R. Zahra 4
- 5. By the end of the module you should be able to: Adopt a positive attitude towards the introduction (trial) of the Jigsaw technique in your Chemistry classroom after evaluating its effectiveness. Apply the Jigsaw technique to your the Chemistry classroom as an alternative to (often ineffective) transmission teaching of information-laden topics. R. Zahra 5
- 6. Points to Ponder 1 Superteacher Do you feel that it is often taken for granted that we teachers are very familiar with differentiated teaching but that in reality we Knows it all lack expertise and experience? R. Zahra 6
- 7. Points to Ponder 2 Do you honestly believe that differentiated and collaborative learning techniques can be feasibly implemented within the constraints of our local system? R. Zahra 7
- 8. Points to Ponder 3 Is collaborative learning worth using in the Chemistry classroom? Why? R. Zahra 8
- 9. Benefits of Collaborative Learning If students are to make sense of scientific and mathematical concepts, then they will need opportunities to share, discuss and work together. R. Zahra 9
- 10. Benefits of Collaborative Learning Research has shown that cooperative small group work has positive effects on learning, social skills and self-esteem. (Askew and William, 1995) R. Zahra 10
- 11. Benefits of Collaborative Learning However, success is dependent on: – Shared Goals for the group – Individual accountability for the attainment of these goals R. Zahra 11
- 12. Collaborative learning reflects real Science “Science is a collaborative enterprise, and the traditional environment for scientific collaboration is the laboratory.” HROs T. A. Finholt, G. M. Olson, From Laboratories to Collaboratories: A new Organizational Form for Scientific Collaboration, Psychological Science, 8(1), pp. 28 – 26, 1997. R. Zahra 12
- 13. Jigsaw Can Improve Chemistry Education Research has indicated that the jigsaw strategy is an effective way to develop students’ collaborative skills, scientific knowledge and positive attitudes towards science. Very useful for expository topics like Atmosphere, Nitrogen, Sulfur. R. Zahra 13
- 14. Jigsaw Classroom Six Key Phases •Teacher assigns group structure •Students become ‘experts’ by researching their sub-topic (teacher ensures that info is accurate) •Students return to their original mixed groups to teach each other •Teacher assesses students’ understanding of the topic •Teacher asks each group to solve a problem that requires students to synthesize what they have learnt •Students reflect on their collaborative work and find what they can improve R. Zahra 14
- 15. Jigsaw Classroom The Jigsaw technique is a way of practising Differentiated Teaching in a subtle way. All students’ contributions are valuable, no matter the academic level of the content they are assigned. R. Zahra 15
- 16. Jigsaw Classroom R. Zahra 16
- 17. Jigsaw Classroom Observe this video of 2 Jigsaw Chemistry Classes. Analysis suggestions: • Student ownership • Motivation • Involvement • Behaviour • Accountability for learning R. Zahra 17
- 18. The teacher’s role during groupwork Also discuss what the teacher’s role should be during the groupwork activity. R. Zahra 18
- 19. Jigsaw Video Analysis 1) Take notes individually during video. Jot down your observations (15 mins) 2) After the video briefly discuss your observations in pairs (5 mins) R. Zahra 19
- 20. Jigsaw Video Analysis Each two pairs will then unite with another pair and prepare a short presentation (max 4 mins) of your observations. (You will be given a handout about the teacher’s role during groupwork and one about ground rules). R. Zahra 20
- 21. “Improvement begins with I.” Arnold H. Glasow R. Zahra 21
- 22. Thanks for your attention R. Zahra 22