Jigsaw learning technique- A motivational tool to engage students when teaching system biology in a research environment?

Medicine (Perspectives on Learning) 2022-04-13

Abstract

Understatedly, a teaching technique to enhance students' science achievement in a research environment is far from fully defined. Here, we propose the application of the Jigsaw-based cooperative learning method as a tool to encourage the development of communication and teamwork skills to solve, analyze and integrate complex data from multiple experimental sources in a research environment. To this end, 16 students working at Lund University Diabetes Center (LUDC) will analyze different data sets derived from omics system biology approaches using the Jigsaw method. By mimicking a real-life scientific research scenario and teamwork, students will integrate each data set into a comprehensive interpretation of the insulin secretory pathway in the pancreatic beta cells. The students will evaluate the effectiveness and practicability of implementing the Jigsaw technique through a feedback questionnaire and open-ended questions. We are optimistic that the jigsaw method will boost students' motivation and stimulates students' activeness in learning system biology in a research environment.