Classroom Strategies That Work: Identifying Similarities and Differences

As educators, we are probably all familiar with Robert Marzano and his work with Classroom Strategies that Work. In the book, Marzano presents nine strategies for teachers to use in the classroom to improve student achievement in dramatic ways. When you look at the results from using the strategies as seen in the table below, you may ask yourself, "Why use technology?"

That would be a good question to ask. According to research, when applied effectively, technology implementation not only increases student learning, understanding, and achievement, but also provides motivation to learn, encourages collaboration, and supports the development of critical thinking and problem solving skills. (Schacter & Fagnano, 1999)

So you may be wondering what technologies can I use for these strategies to improve the initial percentile gains?

Jason Mammano and I presented a session at Gaston County Schools Teaching & Learning Conference on this very topic. I hope to share some ideas on the strategies over the next several posts on this blog.

Today, I want to cover the strategy of "identifying similarities and differences." There are four processes that can be utilized with this strategy: compare/contrast, classify, creating metaphors, and creating analogies. Graphic Organizers are the easiest way to help students with these processes. In my previous county, we used the same mind maps or graphic organizers from K--12. Of course, the early grades focused on teaching students the thought processes behind each map and how to know which map to choose, but by the time the students got to third grade, it became second nature.

Students love technology and by combining the use of free programs, the four processes for identifying similarities and differences will become second nature to them as well.

What programs can you use? I have written about mind maps before, but I have added a couple new ones here.

Mindmeister is a free online mind mapping tool that basically walks you through creating the graphic organizer. You do not even have to sign it to use unless you wish to save the creation. It also has an app for your Android or Apple device.

Bubbl.us is another free online mind mapping tool that works better for upper grades than elementary. Again you do not need to create an account unless you want to save the map.

Linoit is a digital corkboard for sharing ideas using digital sticky notes.  What we like about Lino.it is that you can upload documents, pictures, and even, video. Although you do not have to have an account to use, you can use your Google log in for the account.

I just learned about MindMaple recently. They have a pay version, but they also have a Lite Version that is free. This is a program that you download to your computer. The interface reminds me of Microsoft Word, so it would be pretty easy for your students to use. They are also have an IOS app in which you can view the maps, and are moving toward creating the ability to edit within the app.

Popplet is the final online mind mapping tool that I am going to share, but it is definitely not the last one available. However, it is super easy to use. It literally walks you through how to use it and provides the ability to upload files. There is also an IOS app for that!

When students understand the how things are similar and how they are different, it allows them to use that knowledge in other ways and move up in the higher order thinking skills. There is so much information at our fingertips today due to the technology we have, let's teach our students how to map the information so it is easily assimilated and used.

Let me know which tools you like and don't forget to check out Jason's blog for lots of great information.