Jigsaw cooperative learning of multistage counter-current liquid-liquid extraction using Mathcad®

Abstract This work shows the improvement in comprehending counter-current liquid-liquid extraction by applying jigsaw-type cooperative learning and the engineering math software Mathcad® in a chemical engineering course, part of the Chemistry degree. This study was performed on two different groups at the University of Almeria (Spain) over three academic years. The students were divided into two groups: one half of the class followed a non-cooperative learning methodology (the control) while the other half were spread among the jigsaw cooperative groups following the methodology known as “Jigsaw Experts Groups”. A main template made with Mathcad® of a multistage counter-current liquid-liquid extraction was supplied to both the jigsaw and non-jigsaw groups. The assessment of this educational experience in the course revealed that the jigsaw group outperformed the control group. The use of Mathcad® proved to be very intuitive and effective in explaining these relatively complex problems and utilising it is highly recommended; we suggest it is used rather than classical and less intuitive graphical methods.