Core Six Compare & Contrast

In a Nutshell  Compare & Contrast challenges students to think critically about similarities and differences while building on student prior knowledge and eliminating confusion  Common Core requires students to think comparatively and engage in comparative reading (ie. Draw out common themes among texts, identify key differences, etc.)  Compare & Contrast leads students through a 4-step process to guide their thinking and sharpen focus (RIP Venn Diagram)

Common Reasons Comparison Fails in the Classroom  Sometimes teachers use comparisons AFTER learning, as a test. This can cause students to gravitate toward right and wrong instead of discovery and analytical learning.  Students begin comparison work before they have a deep understanding of the elements they are comparing.  Students don’t always know what to do look for when comparing and may need guidance when picking out the most important aspects and knowing when they have reached a complete comparison.  Students may have difficulty visualizing similarities and differences– especially in the format of the Venn Diagram (too little space in middle to write, unable to write parallel statements because of middle space, etc.).  Students are not given opportunities to apply their learning or draw conclusions based on their statements.

Implementing Compare & Contrast Phase One: Description  Begin with a hook. Activate prior knowledge and be sure to discuss the purpose of the lesson.  Provide the criteria to narrow focus (3-column Organizer)  Students do not compare in this phase, just describe each item separately Phase Two: Comparison  Ask students to use statements to search for similarities and differences and record (Top Hat Organizer) Phase Three: Conclusion  Support students as they draw conclusions by questioning:  Are the two items more alike or different?  What is the most important similarities/differences? What are the causes and effects of these differences?

Implementing Compare & Contrast Phase Four: Application  Provide an opportunity for students to apply learning by completing a task or creating a product.  Think about tasks that will enable students to transfer their learning in a new meaningful way.

Compare and Contrast 3-Column Organizer ___________Criteria___________ Source: The Core Six Essential Strategies for Achieving Excellence with the Common Core

___________ Similarities Compare and Contrast Top Hat Organizer Source: The Core Six Essential Strategies for Achieving Excellence with the Common Core