INTRODUCTION AND EVALUATION OF JIGSAW METHOD OF LEARNING FOR UNDERGRADUATE STUDENTS

Abstract

Background - There has been a shift in medical education, from passive  teacher centered learning to active student centered learning. The ‘SPICES’ model of medical curriculum recommend a paradigm shift from teacher centered to student-centered learning. Cooperative learning is the instructional use of     small groups so that students work together to maximize their own and each other’s learning. The Jigsaw method is a form of cooperative learning, in which students are actively involved in the teaching-learning process. Aim & Objectives: To introduce active learning methodology, i.e. “Jigsaw Technique” in undergraduate medical education in Community Medicine and assess the effectiveness and  student’s perception to it. Methodology: Undergraduate medical students of second years MBBS having clinical posting in the department of Community Medicine were study participants. Brief introduction was given to the students and faculty for the Active Learning methods (ALM) and they were sensitized to jigsaw technique which is one of the important methods of ALM by video presentations and pictures. Intervention in the form of “Jigsaw” as teaching learning method was introduced. The pretest and post-test were conducted and feedback was collected from the students. Results: Paired t-test showed post-test scores in jigsaw and traditional small group to be highly significant than pre-test. Unpaired t-test showed no difference between pre-test of jigsaw and traditional group. Jigsaw group scored significantly more in the post-test than traditional group. The feedback from the students revealed that the Jigsaw method is a healthy way of interacting with peers, making learning interesting & effective. Majority were found the method very helpful, interesting, and motivating, having the opinion that all the major topics should be taught by this method. Conclusion: Traditional method of teaching learning needs to be complemented by interactive method like Jigsaw to facilitate learning among medical students. Active teaching methods are emphasized in new curriculums in which students play the main role in learning. Jigsaw is one of the most important teaching methods. It improves teamwork and interpersonal communication, thinking, and problem-solving skills. Jigsaw technique of teaching is more effective than traditional method of teaching Community Medicine to Undergraduates.