Compare and Contrast Matrix
The Compare and Contrast Matrix purpose is to "help students extract details from the text and organize them into a logical chart to use later when they are studying or writing an essay." (Miller & Veatch, 2011) This strategy is best used for text that has lots of details about people, places and events. The compare and contrast matrix is a form of graphic organizer. Students can visually see similarities and differences between the text topic on this graphic organizer, therefore allowing them to easily compare and contrast the material. Below are two examples of how you might implement this strategy in your classroom.
Example 1:
Example 1:
- Select an appropriate text that is either compare/contrast or something that is detail-rich.
- Create a graphic organizer with the headings already on it.
- Activate and build background knowledge on the topic.
- Read the the text and think aloud often to record the information on the matrix.
- Gradually release responsibility to the students so they eventually can complete this type of matrix on their own.
Example 2:
- In my PE class I would use the Compare and Contrast Matrix during a weight room unit.
- Above is an example of the graphic organizer I would give the students.
- We would discuss weight room rules, protocols, and norms then we would discuss how to fill out the matrix.
- As a class we would find a machine, station, or space where there is a lift identification card.
- We would read the card and discuss what the different parts of it were including body parts and then what type of equipment category it is.
- As a group we would fill out the first piece together.
- I would then send the class out to finish filling out the compare and contrast matrix in pairs.
- As students worked on their graphic organizer make sure you are constantly assessing and providing support.
- After 10 minutes or so bring the class back together and review the matrix and some of the exercises that they will be learning in class.
- The next step would then be to go to each station talk about it allowing them to answer using their matrix reflecting on what they already did and specifically teach them how to do each move.
Video Resources
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The video to the left describes how to compare and contrast while reading fairy tales. The teacher does an excellent job of walking the students through what does compare and contrast mean and what they are going to do when they see items that do compare or contrast (they will write them on their sticky notes). She asks questions as they read the book, which helps students stay engaged in the activity. Students are also engages as they have their own books and sticky notes to write on and place in the book.
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The video to the right describes how you could implement a lesson about comparing and contrasting in your class. This teacher does a great job of getting the class involved and asking them lots of questions to help them better understand compare and contrast. The students are very engaged because in the short two minute lesson they are able to compare and contrast two different items, one of which is stuffed animals, which is arousing for the students.
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Writing and Compare and Contrast Matrixes
When using a Compare and Contrast Matrix you are typically copying information from a text and writing it on your matrix. This sounds easy but in order to put information in the correct spots students are expected to come to conclusions about how details and information from the text are similar and different in order to categorize where the information goes making this a challenging skill sometimes. You could extend by having students write conclusions about what they have learned while filling out the matrix to even further the learning of the material and work on their writing skills.
When using a Compare and Contrast Matrix you are typically copying information from a text and writing it on your matrix. This sounds easy but in order to put information in the correct spots students are expected to come to conclusions about how details and information from the text are similar and different in order to categorize where the information goes making this a challenging skill sometimes. You could extend by having students write conclusions about what they have learned while filling out the matrix to even further the learning of the material and work on their writing skills.
References
Compare and Contrast: Promoting Critical Thinking and Deep Understanding. (2011). Retrieved July 19, 2015, from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uo6nmYZSB9A#t=33
Comparing and Contrasting Fairy Tales (K-2). (2013). Retrieved July 19, 2015, from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TRUx3vSf94g
Miller, M., & Veatch, N. (2011). Literacy in context (LinC): Choosing instructional strategies to teach reading in content areas for students grades 5-12. Boston: Pearson.
Compare and Contrast: Promoting Critical Thinking and Deep Understanding. (2011). Retrieved July 19, 2015, from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uo6nmYZSB9A#t=33
Comparing and Contrasting Fairy Tales (K-2). (2013). Retrieved July 19, 2015, from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TRUx3vSf94g
Miller, M., & Veatch, N. (2011). Literacy in context (LinC): Choosing instructional strategies to teach reading in content areas for students grades 5-12. Boston: Pearson.