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FacilitationIntermediate

Jigsaw Method

A cooperative learning structure developed by Elliot Aronson. Participants start in 'home groups' then split into 'expert groups' — each expert group studies a different topic or material. Experts then return to their home groups and teach their topic to others. Every participant becomes both a learner and a teacher, creating high engagement and deep retention.

Duration
45m–2h
Group size
9–40 people
Materials
prepared materials split into N topics (one per home group size)
Origin
Community

How to run it

  1. 1

    Divide content into N topics (where N = the size of each home group).

  2. 2

    Form home groups of N people, assign each person a topic number.

  3. 3

    All people with the same number form 'expert groups' and study their topic together (20–30 min).

  4. 4

    Expert groups prepare a brief explanation of their topic.

  5. 5

    Experts return to their home groups and teach their topic to the group.

  6. 6

    Each home group ends up having learned all N topics.

  7. 7

    Debrief: what was it like to teach? What surprised you in others' explanations?

Tips

  • Give expert groups clear guidelines on what to teach and how long they have.

  • The teaching phase in home groups should be timed — 5 minutes per expert.

  • Works particularly well for regulatory, technical, or research content that needs to be shared across a team.',

Variations

Run a 'World Café Jigsaw' where experts rotate to different tables rather than returning home. Use for onboarding: new team members each study one domain and teach others.

Where it fits

Training and capability buildingLarge group knowledge sharingResearch synthesisOnboarding programmes

Related methods

relationship-buildingWorld Café
FacilitationThink-Pair-Share
FacilitationGallery Walk

Frequently asked questions

When should I use Jigsaw Method?▾

Use Jigsaw Method when you want to: Training and capability building; Large group knowledge sharing; Research synthesis; Onboarding programmes.

How long does Jigsaw Method take?▾

Jigsaw Method typically takes 45–90 minutes.

How many participants does Jigsaw Method work for?▾

Jigsaw Method works best for groups of 9–40 participants.

What materials do I need for Jigsaw Method?▾

To run Jigsaw Method you will need: prepared materials split into N topics (one per home group size).

How difficult is Jigsaw Method to facilitate?▾

Jigsaw Method is rated intermediate — some facilitation experience is helpful.

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Method descriptions on Workshop Weaver are original content written by our team, based on established facilitation practices.