HARNESSING THE JIGSAW METHOD TO BOOST PRIMARY STUDENTS' SOCIAL STUDIES UNDERSTANDING

In alignment with Brunei’s national vision to cultivate highly skilled and productive future citizens, social studies was introduced into the primary school curriculum in 2009, replacing Geography and History. The subject aims to develop primary students’ critical thinking and deepen their understanding of social and cultural aspects, while instilling the core ‘MIB’ (Malay Islamic Monarchy) values alongside 21st-century skills. This study investigates the effectiveness of the Jigsaw cooperative learning approach in teaching social studies to primary pupils, focusing on its impact on students’ content knowledge development. Guided by research questions exploring the efficacy and challenges of the Jigsaw approach, the study examines its role in improving comprehension and motivation. Prior research indicates that the Jigsaw method enhances students’ learning outcomes and retention, with many students reporting positive experiences due to increased engagement and understanding. Nevertheless, some challenges include the method’s time-intensive nature and student resistance to group work, particularly among those accustomed to traditional teaching styles. The findings of this study contribute to understanding how the Jigsaw approach can be effectively implemented in social studies lessons to support student learning while addressing potential obstacles