Team Matrix

In Team Matrix, students discriminate between similar concepts by noticing and marking on a chart the presence of absence of important, defining features. This CoLT is useful for tasks in which students mix up shared and uncommon attributes because it requires students to identify and make explicit critical distinctions of closely related concepts. Making the differences evident and graphic on a chart also help students to understand the distinction.

1. Form pairs and distribute the blank matrix as a handout, have students copy it from an overhead transparency, or draw it on the board.

2. If you want to grade completed matrices, ask individual students to select a way to distinguish their contributions.

3. Have partners come to consensus and complete the matrix.

4. Move to whole-class discussion to compare group matrices with instructor matrix, or ask partners to submit completed matrices for evaluation.