Technology Enhanced Jigsaw Activity Design for Active Reading in English

Abstract

Jigsaw learning is one of the popular cooperative learning methods which has been utilized in many English as Foreign Language (EFL) classrooms. In recent years, utilization of technology in education has accelerated. In this study, Jigsaw+, a new jigsaw learning approach with an e-book reader, was proposed to explore how the learning design can be applied for English vocabulary acquisition, reading comprehension, and students' engagement in group activities. A quasi-experimental study was conducted at a high school in Japan for advanced and standard class students. Participants read and comprehend a story in English through BookRoll, an e-book platform with an analysis tool embedded. Two research questions were investigated; 1) to what extent did Jigsaw+ affect students' English vocabulary knowledge and reading comprehension? and 2) to what extent did Jigsaw+ promote students' reading engagement in the jigsaw group activities? The results revealed that Jigsaw+ learning tasks assisted to improve students' vocabulary and reading comprehension for both the advanced and standard groups. Moreover, it facilitated students' engagements in activities. Some limitations of the study are also discussed.