It was the purpose of this study to describe and analyze the implementation of Jigsaw, a cooperative learning strategy, in early morning seminary classes of the LDS Church Educational System (CES). A qualitative research design was used to collect and analyze data during an eight month period from four high school-age religion classes. Students enjoyed learning through planned student interaction, especially peer teaching. Initially, Jigsaw effectiveness was partially diluted due to regularities of the setting. Subsequent modifications were made by teachers.
Recommendations of the study include: (1) adoption of a more student-centered instructional paradigm for CES seminary pedagogy; (2) development of new cooperative learning strategies--tailored to the CES seminary setting; (3) adaptation of Jigsaw to the regularities of CES seminary classes; (4) establishment of a more adequate preservice and inservice program for volunteer teachers, providing teaching and learning theory.