Jigsaw listening

A jigsaw listening or reading activity is an information gap exercise. Learners hear or read different parts of a text, then exchange information with others in order to complete a task.

Example Learners in three groups hear different versions of an encounter with aliens. Together with other learners, they complete comprehension questions based on all three descriptions of the encounter.

In the classroom Jigsaw tasks are an excellent way to integrate the skills, as learners read or listen to a text, and speak and listen to others to reconstruct the information in the text. Most written texts can be made into a jigsaw activity easily. Managing a jigsaw listening exercise is more challenging as it requires multiple tape recorders, enough space to listen without disturbing other groups, and time.