Puzzle Pieces of Progress: Jigsaw Peer Learning and Its Effects on Perception and Performance in a Primary Health Care Course

Abdelraheem Almhboub¹, Tasabih Zain Elabdin², Amin Ahmed³, Mohammed Alhuneif⁴

Abstract

Doi : 10.5281/zenodo.17015801

CONTEMPORARY medical education increasingly embraces student-centered, collabo- rative pedagogies. The Jigsaw peer learning strategy, which fosters active participation and cooperative knowledge construction, has been adopted globally but remains under-

evaluated within Saudi Arabian contexts. Aim: This study aimed to assess the impact of the Jigsaw learning technique on student comprehension, engagement, teamwork, and academic performance in a Primary Health Care course at Najran University. Methods: A mixed-methods cross-sectional study was conducted among 52 fourth-year male medical students. The Jigsaw method was integrated into a session on immunization. Quantitative data were collected via structured surveys and analyzed using descriptive statistics and chi-square tests. Open-ended responses provided qualitative insight into student experiences. Results: Approximately 63.5% of students reported improved understanding of immunization, and prior exposure to Jigsaw significantly enhanced perceived benefit (p = 0.02). Collaboration (65.4%), teamwork (59.6%), and knowledge acquisition (59.6%) were frequently cited gains, with academic performance improvements significantly linked to these perceptions (p = 0.000). While 42.3% reported better exam performance, 86.5% found Jigsaw equally or more effective than traditional lectures. A majority (63.5%) recommended its integration into other courses. Conclusion: The Jigsaw peer learning approach demonstrated clear educational value in enhancing cognitive and interpersonal outcomes among medical students. Although implementation challenges such as role imbal- ance and instructional clarity—were noted, these can be addressed through structured facilitation. Broader adoption and further research using diverse cohorts and objective performance metrics are recommended.