The difference between two cooperative learning styles: Jigsaw and Competitive.explain between them

While previous two answers do give some useful information about jigsaw learning system, they fail to recognize and dispel a serious wrong assumption in the question. The question assumes that Jigsaw learning and competitive learning are two different varieties of competitive learning. Fact is that jigsaw learning system is a cooperative system of learning developed to replace the traditional competitive learning system, in which students, in their attempts for better grades, only compete with each other.

While the competitive system does create some motivation to learn, it also creates tension between students. This can act like fuel to fire in the tension that may exist between students because of their different backgrounds and personal likes and dislikes. To solve this problem, the jigsaw classroom techniques were developed in early 1970's.

In this system each student is given the responsibility to prepare one specific portion of the complete subject to be learnt. Thus if there are 25 students in a class of geography, each student will be assigned a specific topic within the total subject of Geography. Each student learns his portion by independent study and research under guidance of the teacher. Then each student, assisted by the teacher, presents his part in the class room. Thus each student is dependent on every other student in the class to learn the complete subject. This not only makes the atmosphere in the class more cooperative. The student acquire additional skills in self study, researching, and cooperative working.

Additional useful insights into jigsaw method, along with background information on development of this method, can be obtained from the Internet site referred below.