The jigsaw model is a cooperative learning method in which each student becomes the "expert" on one piece of a task and then teaches it to their group. In PE it turns a skill lesson into a team effort where every student has to contribute for the group to succeed.
How the jigsaw model works
- Home groups. Split the class into groups of 4-5.
- Assign pieces. Break the lesson into as many parts as there are group members. For a basketball lay-up, for example: footwork, ball control, take-off, release.
- Expert groups. Students with the same piece meet, practise and master it using a task card.
- Teach back. Experts return to their home group and teach their piece.
- Combine and perform. The home group puts the pieces together into the full skill or routine.
- Assess. Check both the group performance and each individual's understanding.
Why use it in PE?
- Every student is needed. Lower-skilled students cannot hide, and higher-skilled students learn by teaching.
- Deeper learning. Explaining a skill builds understanding of why it works, not just how.
- Social skills. Communication, patience, leadership and peer feedback are built into the lesson.
- More active time. Small groups mean less waiting in lines.
Example lesson: a 4-part fitness circuit
Pieces: warm-up and mobility, strength station, cardio station, cool-down and stretching. Each expert group designs and practises its station for 10 minutes with a task card, then each home group runs the full circuit with every member leading their part.
Tips for success
- Use clear, visual task cards for each piece.
- Keep pieces of similar difficulty so no student is overloaded.
- Teach students how to give feedback before the first jigsaw lesson.
- Circulate during the expert phase; mistakes taught to the group spread fast.
Jigsaw and physical literacy
The jigsaw model supports the four parts of physical literacy: competence, confidence, motivation and knowledge. It fits well within a structured physical literacy curriculum and pairs naturally with other cooperative learning strategies in PE.
Want to understand where PE sits among sports careers? Read physical education vs sports science.