Comparison Table

Comparison tables are used when students are asked to compare and contrast two or more concepts. The most popular type of comparison table is the Venn Diagram because of its simplicity and ease of access to students. More complicated comparison tables can pose multiple questions about different concepts, tapping into the student's ability to critically think about each concept.

These comparison tables can be used with most grade levels and students with special needs. Progress may be monitored based on quiz scores before and after the use of the comparison routine. It is important to note, comparing and contrasting is a skill students will need to practice and may not be extremely successful during the first use.

Learning how to use and create a comparison table is an extremely valuable skill, even outside of the classroom. Below is a link displaying some real world applications of comparison tables.

Professional Comparison Tables

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Data Driven:

According to Bulgren (2002), all students benefit from the use of comparison tables when asked to recognize characteristics or recall individual and complete sets of characteristics and categories for each concept. However, students low achieving students and students with a learning disability benefited much more than normal or high achieving students.

Bulgren, J. (2002). The use and effectiveness of a comparison routine in diverse secondary content classrooms. Journal of Educational Psychology , 94(2), 356.

Another study from the same author also determined that concept comparison tables resulted in higher scores on a 32-point exam. Students, who were deemed to be normal or high achieving also scored better on the exam, although not as significantly as low achieving students or students with a learning disability.

Bulgren, J. (2000). The use and effectiveness of analogical instruction in diverse secondary content classrooms. Journal of Educational Psychology , 92(3), 426.