Before & After Charts
Purpose
To activate current knowledge and to use research of the topic to link to new information.
Description
Before and after charts provide teachers with information about their students’ current knowledge and understandings and enable them to plan appropriate starting points for their instruction. They can also be used as a preparation for reading.
Preparation
Prepare the charts. The topic may be divided into sections.
Implementation
1. Students brainstorm to establish current knowledge on a given topic.
2. Students chart what they know, either individually or in a group.
3. After research they write all they have learned.
4. They compare the lists and may write questions they still need to answer.
Example:
Christianity
What we know
Based on the life and teachings of Jesus of Nazareth, a Jew from Palestine under Roman rule.
Christians believe in Christ, the son of God.
What we found
2 billion adherents
Meaning of Life: all have sinned and are thereby separated from God. Salvation is through faith in Christ and, for some, sacraments and good works.
Afterlife: Eternal heaven or hell (most denominations); temporary purgatory (Catholicism)
Practices: prayer, Bible study, baptism, Eucharist (Communion), church on Sundays, numerous holidays.
Texts: Bible (Hebrew Bible + New Testament)
Original languages: Aramaic and Greek
Major locations today: Europe, North and South America
Major branches: Catholic, Orthodox, Protestant
Modern human authorities: Pope (Catholic);
each Christian with aid of Holy Spirit (Protestant)
Summaries of doctrine: Apostle's Creed, Nicene Creed
Nature of God: Trinity - one substance, three persons
Means of Salvation: correct belief, faith, good deeds, sacraments (some Protestants emphasise faith alone)
Questions we still need to answer:
Who wrote the Bible?
Are Christians expected to follow the Bible verbatim?
What are the major differences between Christianity and the other major religions?
Blank template: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1zofRPmxOBqBGoVUaLZwItvFDhAwyQ0n00u32r8_W3jg/edit