Comparing and contrasting helps students find differences and/or similarities to organize both new and known information.
Students will be able to, note differences and similarities between or among objects, ideas, concepts, events, or other subjects.
It is a tool for teachers to see students thinking. (PDF. Download).
Why and How would I use it?
Compare & Contrast is a great strategy for students to take notes. I would hand out the Compare & Contrast sheet before for instance watching a documentary on a new subject, and have students write down information in the appropriate columns.
After watching the documentary, I would openly discuss the students findings and enter them together in the rubrics. I really like that it provides a ‘visual’ timeline where students can see what came first and then and after and lastly.
