EFL/EAP Reading and Research Essay Writing Using Jigsawâ¿¿

In an academic context, EFL/EAP students must become proficient in the skills of reading and research paper writing in order to meet the requirements of the courses in their fields of study. However, many of these students do not like to read, especially in English, and some of them have never written a research essay or paper, in which they cite and integrate information from sources into their own writing, even in their own languages. Group activities encourage students to do such tasks, as they can analyze and discuss the material together and peer teach each other. Unfortunately, some students still do not share in doing the activity, so they do not benefit from it and disappoint their teammates. The Jigsaw method plugs this gap as each member of a group has an integral role to play, on which other members of the group depend to achieve the task. The students are in control and the teacher is a facilitator who helps and provides necessary explanation. Jigsaw provides the learners with a chance to be responsible autonomous learners. Jigsaw is used here for reading and introducing research essay writing, but it can be used with any reading passage in any teaching context.