4 Phases of Teaching Similarities Differences This strategy

4 Phases of Teaching Similarities & Differences This strategy has the MOST IMPACT on student learning! These are 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? ”

Four Steps in Identifying Similarities and Differences 1. 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

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

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”?

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…