Compare and Contrast

The Basics:

What Is It?-

         Compare and Contrast provides students with a process that enables them to make deep and meaningful comparisons in the classroom and real world.

Why Use It?-

    Strengthen Students' Memories

     Develop Higher-Order Thinking Skills

     Increase Student Comprehension

     Enhance Students' Writing in the 

     Content Areas

     Develop Students' Habits of Mind

Important Points-   

     A compare and contrast diagram is more of a learning tool as opposed to an assessment piece. 

     A compare and contrast activity is not the end of the comparison process.

     The teacher should also employ higher-order questioning to help students draw conclusions and extend their thinking.

Examples-

    Are reptiles and amphibians more alike or more different?  Defend your position.

What do you think is the most important difference between an ionic and covalent bound?

What's the difference between weather and climate?

Explain how the products and reactants of photosynthesis and cellular respiration are interconnected to support life on earth.

How to use  Top Hat Instructional Video:

Examples of Compare and Contrast Tools: