'JIGSAW METHOD'- A UNIQUE APPROACH TO PEER LEARNING IN ANATOMY.

Background: With the Introduction of CBME curriculum,the Teaching learning has a paradigm shift from teacher centric to student centric and role of teacher has become a facilitator in providing the holistic approach to the learning activity by involving students in all the three domains. Innovative teaching and learning methods are quintessential in catering the needs of modern education. The traditional teaching learning methods have to be modified or replaced to provide wholesome education to students. Methodology: To evaluate the effective of Jigsaw method over traditional tutorial method and to evaluate the perception of students towards jigsaw method. The 75 students were divided into study and control groups. Pre test was done on a topic after a traditional didactic lecture. The study group of 30 Students was further divided into 6 Principal sub groups of 5 students each and each student was assigned with a subtopic. The student with same subtopic were formed into master groups. Control group of 40 students were taught or engaged with traditional tutorial method. Study group was provided with models, specimens and study material to discuss the sub topics in master group, in next session the students of master group moved to principal group to exchange their mastery over the subtopic with other peers using model, specimen and study material. Control group was engaged in tutorial methods. Post test was done to compare the impact of Jigsaw method with MCQ'S and practical viva and perception was evaluated with questionnaire. Results: Mean values of academic scores of tests conducted were statistically significant with Jigsaw method compared to classical tutorials with p value<0.001. Analysis of students' perceptions revealed that Jigsaw method of self directed learning had advantages over tutorials in terms of better opportunities, interaction and involvement by students. Conclusions: Jigsaw method is an effective way to engage students in their learning, and can be incorporated in medical college with new CBME curriculum with proper planning and implementation.