Identifying Similarities and Differences

 

The first category of instructional strategies is identifying similarities and differences.  Marzano's research indicates there are four processes that identify how items, events, processes, or concepts are similar and different.  They are comparing, classifying, creating metaphors, and creating analogies. 

  • Comparing is identifying similarities and differences between or among ideas.

  • Classifying is identifying characteristics and grouping like items.

  • Recognizing metaphors requires identifying a pattern in one topic, then finding a different topic that has the same pattern.

  • Using analogies involves identifying and analyzing relationships between ideas.

Marzano's recommendations for classroom practice include:

  • give students a model for the process

  • use familiar content to teach students the steps

  • give students graphic organizers

  • guide students as needed

Technology Integration:
 
Comparing
Comparing is the process of identifying similarities and differences between or among things or ideas.  There are two main types of organizers for comparing:  the Venn diagram and the comparison matrix.
 
Comparing with Venn Diagrams: 
 

PowerPoint
(double click the text box tool to complete the diagram)

Kidspiration

 

Smartboard

 website- 2 circle diagram

website- 3 circle diagram
Comparing with Comparison Matrix:
 
Excel
 Inspiration
(sample)

 

 website-
compare/contrast map

 

 
Classifying
Classifying is the process of grouping things that are alike into categories on the basis of their characteristics. 
 
Classifying with Word and Picture Sorts:
 
Kidspiration animal sort

Kidspiration word sort

 Smartboard

Smartboard

 website- Word Family Sort

 
Classifying with a Column Format:
 

Word

 

Excel

  
Classifying with a Web Format:
 

Inspiration

Kidspiration

  
 
Creating Metaphors
Creating metaphors is the process of identifying a general or basic pattern in a specific topic and then finding another topic that appears to be quite different but that has the same general pattern.
 

Inspiration metaphor template

  
 
Creating Analogies
Creating analogies is the process of identifying relationships between pairs of concepts - in other words, identifying relationships between relationships.
 
Online Interactive Games:
 
Printable Graphic Organizers
These websites have many printable organizers:
 

Home  |  1-Similarities & Differences  |  2-Summarizing & Note-Taking  |  3-Effort & Recognition

4-Homework & Practice  |  5-Non-Linguistics Representations  |  6-Cooperative Learning

7-Objectives & Feedback  |  8-Hypotheses  |  9-Questions, Cues, & Adv. Organizers

created by Sherri Miller, ITRT, Gloucester County Public Schools
VSTE Conference ~ February, 2008