Compare/Contrast Matrix
Definition:
The compare/contrast matrix is used to help students take details from the text and organize them into a chart for later use (Miller & Veatch, 2012). Use the compare and contrast matrix to help understand the similarities and differences between characters and objects (http://esl.about.com/od/writinglessonpla2/ig/Graphic-Organizers/Compare-Contrast.htm).
How it works (Miller & Veatch, 2012):
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How I will use a Compare/Contrast Matrix:
I included three examples of a compare/contrast matrix above. The first is a template of what a Venn Diagram looks like and below that (2nd image) is one that is filled out for the subject area of biology. Comparing and contrasting cell structures for plant and animal cells. The traditional compare and contrast matrix is a Venn diagram (Miller & Veatch, 2012). I would use a Venn diagram for many things such as: viruses and bacteria, photosynthesis and cellular respiration, physical and chemical changes, etc. The Venn diagram is excellent when comparing the main ideas/key words between two concepts.
However, as I expect my students to progress to higher comprehension or to comparing and contrasting more items, I would implement the use of a matrix such as an example of the third image: Compare and Contrast matrix. This type of Compare/Contrast matrix would be useful in biology when comparing Ecosystems, Kingdoms, body systems, reactions among different families in chemistry, etc.
However, as I expect my students to progress to higher comprehension or to comparing and contrasting more items, I would implement the use of a matrix such as an example of the third image: Compare and Contrast matrix. This type of Compare/Contrast matrix would be useful in biology when comparing Ecosystems, Kingdoms, body systems, reactions among different families in chemistry, etc.
Examples:
This video shows a teaching using a Venn diagram. The teacher does a great job of reading the text with her students and pulling out the main ideas that they will be putting on the Venn Diagram. She wants the students to compare and contrast the Country and the City in the book she is reading. She not only does a great job of modeling how to use a compare/contrast matrix but also does a great job engaging the students in the process.
The video above shows a number of different compare/contrast matrix. I used it because it not only showed a simple Venn diagram but also showed a more advanced Compare/Contrast Matrix. There is a lot of ways you can use compare/contrast in your classroom to increase comprehension, and multiple graphic organizers depending on what level your students are at and what you are teaching them.
Writing Component: Common Core English Language Arts Standards » Science & Technical Subjects » Grade 9-10 (http://www.corestandards.org/ELA-Literacy/RST/9-10/)
The compare/contrast matrix organizers meets a number of common core writing goals for science in 9th and 10th grade. First of all, to be able to organize information and know how it compares and contrasts to another, the students will have to cite specific text evidence in their science texts. By organizing the information and determining how it relates to other concepts, they will also be determining the meaning of symbols, key terms, and other science terminology. To successfully put together a compare/contrast matrix the students will need to analyze the structure of the relationships among concepts in text, including relationships among key terms. By consistently working on reading comprehension, through the use of graphic organizers such as the compare/contrast matrix, I will be working on students ability to read and comprehend their science text independently and proficiently.
- Cite specific textual evidence to support analysis of science and technical texts, attending to the precise details of explanations or descriptions
- Determine the meaning of symbols, key terms, and other domain-specific words and phrases as they are used in a specific scientific or technical context relevant to grades 9-10 texts and topics.
- Analyze the structure of the relationships among concepts in a text, including relationships among key terms (e.g., force, friction, reaction force, energy).
- By the end of grade 10, read and comprehend science/technical texts in grades 9-10 text complexity band independently and proficiently.