Effectiveness of the Jigsaw Method in Teaching Programmable Logic Controller

Student-Centered Learning is a must in the Teaching & Learning delivery method for any engineering technology courses as outlined in the Engineering Technology Programme Accreditation Standard 2020. The aim of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness of the Cooperative Learning Jigsaw method in teaching basic ladder logic programming, a sub-topic in Programmable Logic Controller subject offered for Bachelor of Engineering Technology in Mechatronics. The subtopic is divided into three parts; the students are divided into three groups and each part is given to one group. At the end of the lesson, a quiz was given to test students' understanding of the sub-topic. A survey is also done to get their perception of the Jigsaw method. The study shows that while the Jigsaw method is able to achieve the intended learning outcomes and improve soft skills; it also can slow down the learning process if the scaffolding was not solid.