An Experience in Teaching Innovation Based on Collaborative Learning and the Aronson Jigsaw Technique

Abstract

Jigsaw technique is a collaborative learning technique that can be used as an alternative to conventional teaching methods. Basically this technique boosts group work cohesion since each member of the group is in charge of one part of the learning objective of the whole group. This work shows the experience of using the jigsaw technique in an undergraduate course named “Innovation and Competitiveness”. The learning objective of the activity consists of highlighting the most important ideas of the “Oslo Manual” which is a reference manual in innovation concepts. The process is divided into five steps: (1) initial groups of five students are formed; (2) professor gives five parts of the “Oslo Manual” and the group decides which member will be the “expert” of each part; (3) experts of each part work together to understand and summarize main concepts; (4) experts come back to the initial group and transmit their expertise to the rest of the group; (5) professor asks for a “one minute question” regarding one concept or idea of the Manual. Results from this experience show that students feel that they are not only responsible for their own learning but also for the learning of the rest of the group. The inclusion of the “one minute question” after the process further enhances this feeling. Furthermore, it is known that sharing our knowledge with other people requires a deep understanding of the topic. As a conclusion, this experience improves not only the self-confidence of the student, but also the communicative competence and group work performance whilst students work and assess important concepts related to the course.