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Correct Answer: jigsaw
mr. dunn's approach to teaching about animal characteristics through student pairings and subsequent group discussions is an example of the jigsaw cooperative learning strategy. let's break down how this method works in the context of mr. dunn's classroom activity.
in the jigsaw method, the learning content is divided into segments, each of which is assigned to different individuals or pairs. in mr. dunn’s case, each pair of students is assigned a different type of animal to research. this initial step is crucial as it ensures that each pair becomes knowledgeable about their particular segment – in this case, the characteristics of a specific type of animal.
after the pairs have researched their assigned animals, mr. dunn reorganizes the students into new groups. in these mixed groups, each pair shares their findings. this is the second phase of the jigsaw method, where each student or pair turns into a 'teacher' of sorts, explaining the specifics of their segment to the others in the group. this not only helps in disseminating knowledge among the entire class but also reinforces the understanding of the material by the 'teaching' pair, as teaching others is an effective way to solidify one's own knowledge.
the final product of this activity, a chart comparing and contrasting the characteristics of different animals, serves as a collaborative artifact of what the entire group has learned together. this chart not only encapsulates information from all the different segments (animal types) but also encourages a holistic understanding as students contrast various animal characteristics against each other.
comparatively, other cooperative learning strategies like numbered heads together and think-pair-share differ in structure and execution. numbered heads together involves students in a home team learning together and then individually becoming experts in one part of the lesson. they then reconvene to teach their teammates. think-pair-share, on the other hand, involves students initially thinking individually about a question, then pairing up to discuss their thoughts, and finally sharing their ideas with a larger group.
thus, the jigsaw strategy is particularly well-suited to activities where dividing complex information into comprehensible segments is beneficial, and where the integration of these segments into a cohesive understanding is the goal, as demonstrated in mr. dunn's classroom activity on animal characteristics.
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