1. Similarities & Differences
4 Phases of Teaching
Similarities & Differences
This strategy has the MOST IMPACT on student learning!
These are the thought processes we are involved in day in and day out.
PROCESSES
Comparison
Classification
Analogies
Metaphors
Ask students, “What did you learn from doing these?”

2. Four Steps in Identifying Similarities and Differences
Description
During this phase, the teacher (or eventually, the students) would:
Select two items to compare
Identify the criteria (or characteristics that would focus examination of the items)
Describe each item separately

3. 2. Comparison
During this phase, the teacher (and eventually you know who) would:
Select a graphic organizer
Identify similarities and differences

4. 3. Conclusions
In the conclusions phase, students are encouraged to address one or more of these questions:
Are the items more similar or more different?
What might have caused the differences? …the similarities?
What new ideas or generalizations occur to you as you look over your comparison?
What do you think might have caused the differences between “One” and “Two”?

5. 4. Application (Synthesis)
In the final phase, students are encouraged to articulate and apply what they have learned through comparison by:
Identifying other examples of each item
Creating a product that applies their new learning. What if…