Journal of English Language Teaching and Linguistics
Journal of English Language Teaching and Linguistics, 11(1), April 2026

Jigsaw Cooperative Learning and Critical Thinking Performance in Pre-Service Teacher Trainees at ESEF Kenitra, Morocco

El Baioui, Ayoub (Unknown)
Idrissi, Latifa Hafdi (Unknown)



Article Info

Publish Date
09 Apr 2026

Abstract

This study examined whether the jigsaw cooperative learning technique improves critical-thinking performance among pre-service teacher trainees at the École Supérieure de l’Éducation et de la Formation (ESEF) in Kenitra. Using a posttest-only randomized control-group design, 120 trainees were initially assigned to either a jigsaw-based instructional condition or a lecture–discussion condition; 113 participants completed the study (60 experimental; 53 control). Critical thinking was measured immediately after an 11-week instructional period using a researcher-developed 34-item, scenario-based multiple-choice post-test (score range: 0–34) administered via Google Forms. The instrument demonstrated satisfactory internal consistency (Cronbach’s α = .877). As score distributions deviated from normality, between-group differences were examined using a Mann–Whitney U test. Findings indicated that trainees in the jigsaw condition achieved higher post-test performance than those in the lecture–discussion condition, suggesting that structured peer interdependence and peer teaching can support stronger critical-thinking performance in pre-service teacher education. These findings imply that teacher-education curricula should move beyond transmission-oriented instruction by embedding structured collaborative routines that make reasoning visible and accountable. It is recommended that teacher-education programs incorporate jigsaw-based activities more systematically in methodology courses and micro-teaching sessions to foster critical thinking in context.

Copyrights © 2026






Journal Info

Abbrev

jeltl

Publisher

Subject

Education

Description

JELTL (Journal of English Language Teaching and Linguistics), (eISSN: 2502-6062, pISSN:2503-1848), is an International Journal of language learning. It is a peer-reviewed journal of English Language Teaching, Languge & Linguistics, and Literature. The journal is published three times in a year; ...