Ch. 2: Identifying Similarities & Differences

This chapter explains the importance of comparing and contrasting information in helping your students derive meaning from classroom activities. The authors begin by suggesting that teachers model by pointing out explicitly the ways that things are similar and/or different, and then ask students to do so on their own. Using graphic representations, like Venn diagrams and graphic organizers, can be very effective at helping students derive meaning from learning activities, as well as using analogies, metaphors, and classification matrices.