Jigsaw Puzzle technique vs. traditional group work: academic performance and satisfaction of the university students

Abstract

Alternative learning methods such as the Jigsaw Puzzle (JP) technique have gained prominence over traditional teaching to promote the acquisition of skills in Higher Education. The aim of this research was to compare the academic performance and satisfaction of students depending on whether the JP technique or traditional group work was used. This is a cross-sectional study that involved 61 students in their 2nd year of the Degree in Physical Activity and Sport Sciences (20.11 ± 0.43 years). In one class group, the JP technique was applied (n = 29), while the traditional technique was used in the other group (n = 32). After the end of the workshop, the grade and the degree of satisfaction obtained with the techniques used were evaluated. The JP group obtained a grade (X = 8.52; SD = 0.5) and a degree of satisfaction (X = 7.28; SD = 1.5) which were significantly higher than the traditional group (rating: X = 5.58; SD = 0.6; satisfaction: X = 6.34; SD = 1.6) (p ˂.001 and p =.023, respectively). A correlation was found between grade and satisfaction (ICC =.360; p =.004). In conclusion, conducting a one-off session based on the JP technique versus using a traditional technique yields better grades and greater satisfaction with the teaching-learning process.