Examining Similarities and Differences
T Charts Students can use T charts to compare two objects, ideas, events, or people. Students fill in a T-shaped graphic organizer by writing two topics across the top and details that describe each on either side of a dividing line. Then, once students have gathered several characteristics for each item, they look for similarities and differences between the two items. In several short sentences, students should explain the similarities and differences they see in their T chart. Additionally, after completing their explanation, students can draw conclusions about the essential similarities and differences between the two things. The conclusion should not list all of the similarities and differences, but simply sum up what the student recognizes as the fundamental similarities and differences between the two items. It can be helpful if students write parallel characteristics on each side of the T chart. For example, when comparing Australia and the United States, students might write the continent each country is found on as the first characteristic. By writing the characteristics in parallel, students will easily be able to identify the similarities and differences between the two items after filling in the T chart.
Teacher Actions • Explaining T charts to students • A sking students to use T charts to compare and contrast two or three things • Discussing students’ T charts in class
Desired Student Responses • Using T charts to compare or contrast two things • Explaining the similarities and differences between the two contrasted things • Drawing conclusions from the content in the T chart
Extra Support • Assisting students with generating initial details for each topic being examined
Extension • A sking students to make generalizations about each item or concept being compared based on their T chart
MARZ ANO COMPENDIUM OF INSTRUCTIONAL STRATEGIES 12