THINKING DIAGRAM

Thinking DiagramThinking Diagram (.pdf)

"It is better to debate a question without settling it than to settle a question without debating it."
Jeseph Joubert

OVERVIEW

The Compare & Contrast Thinking Diagram is a graphic organizer that prompts students to synthesize and evaluate the similarities between two objects, events, people, concepts, etc.

IMPLEMENTING THIS ACTIVITY
  1. Complete the template by deciding on and entering in the two contrasting topics.
  2. Make and distribute enough copies for each of the students.
  3. Introduce students to items they will be comparing and contrasting.
  4. Ask students what they think is similar and have them place it in the alike box.  Have students do the same thing with the differences.
    1. Differences should be separated by characteristics.
  5. Review with students the information they have collected and discuss why these differences are important.

REFERENCES

► Adapted from: Parks, S. & Black, H. (1992), Organizing Thinking Book I, Pacific Grove, Calif.: Critical Thinking Press and Software. Reproduced by permission.