Keeping students engaged during didactic classes has become increasingly challenging. Delivering a lot of information during a 60-80 minute class session can be overwhelming for students and retention is difficult.  

This course is an introduction to the jigsaw method of teaching to help keep students engaged and find the coursework manageable while navigating an intense dental hygiene curriculum. The jigsaw method of pedagogy is a cooperative method of learning where course material is broken down into sections that a group assembles to complete the puzzle.  

The advantages of this teaching strategy are the development of self-confidence, communication skills, logical thinking, critical thinking, and supporting other students. It incorporates five pillars of cooperative learning including positive interdependence, team formation, accountability, social skills, and structuring. 

Objectives

  • Critique the jigsaw method of pedagogy

  • Identify multiple techniques for the use of the jigsaw pedagogy

  • Apply the jigsaw method of pedagogy to a course topic

Jigsaw Teaching Method

(1 CEU)

Speaker

Jeannie Bopp, MSAH, RDH

Jeannie Bopp has enjoyed the dental hygiene profession for over forty years and has experienced many of the opportunities the profession has to offer. 

During her years of clinical practice, Jeannie worked in general and periodontal practices.  She moved to Munich Germany for two years and worked in a periodontal practice while traveling and learning about healthcare on a global stage.  She returned and coordinated a mobile dental van project delivering free dental services to underserved populations within her community in California.  

Currently, Jeannie is a full-time faculty member at the Oregon Institute of Technology in Klamath Falls Oregon.  Teaching at Oregon Tech has allowed her to return to her native home and apply her knowledge and experiences to mentoring and teaching dental hygiene students.  

Jeannie is the senior clinical lead instructor along with teaching the junior prevention series and Emergency Procedures.  She also leads the International Externship Program, taking senior-level students to a global site to deliver free dental hygiene services to populations with no, or limited, access to care.  

Watching the students grow and develop their critical thinking and compassion for others has been the greatest reward, knowing these are the future leaders and servants of our amazing dental hygiene profession.