Identifying Similarities and Differences March 29 2007 Jennifer

Identifying Similarities and Differences March 29, 2007 Jennifer Alexander Jennifer Reed

Processes of Identifying Similarities & Differences l Comparing and Contrasting l Classifying l Creating Metaphors l Creating Analogies

Comparing and Contrasting “Comparing and contrasting are related processes of articulations similarities and differences, respectively, between or among things or ideas. ”

Structured and Open-Ended tasks l Structured tasks: 1. Identify objects that are to be compared. 2. Explain how to compare the objects. 3. List characteristics to be compared. l Open-Ended tasks: 1. Identify objects that are to be compared. 2. Explain how to compare the objects. 3. Have students list the characteristics to be compared.

Compare/Contrast Graphic Organizers Matrix Venn Diagram Items to be compared #1 #2 #3 Characteristics Similarities Differences

Classifying “The process of grouping things into definable categories based on like characteristics. How things are classified influences our perceptions or behaviors. ”

Structured and Open-Ended tasks l Structured tasks: 1. List items to classify. 2. Give categories to sort the items. l Open-Ended tasks: 1. List items to classify. 2. Have students create categories to sort the items.

Classifying Graphic Organizers Chart Webbing Category

Creating Metaphors “A metaphor is a figure of speech in which a word or phrase that literally denotes one object or idea is used with or in place of another object or idea to suggest likeness between them. ”

Structured and Open-Ended tasks Structured tasks: 1. Provide part of the metaphor. 2. Provide part of the abstract relationship. 3. Have students build on foundation. l Open-Ended tasks: 1. Provide only one part of the metaphor. 2. Have students identify the second part. 3. Have students describe abstract relationship. l

Graphic Organizer for Metaphors Element/Item Literal Pattern Abstract Relationship

Creating Analogies “Creating analogies is the process of identifying relationships between pairs of concepts – in other words, identifying relationships between relationships. ”

Structured and Open-Ended tasks Structured tasks: 1. Provide an analogy. 2. Discuss the relationship between the parts of the analogy provided. l Open-Ended tasks: 1. Provide an incomplete analogy. 2. Have students complete the analogy. 3. Have the students create other analogies that may also complete the analogy provided. l

Graphic Organizer for Analogies Structured Open-Ended is to Relationship: as is to