Amy Wittwer
Venn
diagrams can greatly enhance students’ ability to understand and use
material presented in text form. Typically, Venn diagrams have two or more
overlapping circles that are used to compare and contrast material. The overlapping
section is used to show the characteristics that are similar between the two
materials. Venn diagrams serve to aid comprehension and learning by interfacing
vocabulary that explains, clarifies, and illustrates the informational
structure of the concepts. As students create and design the graphic
representation of the text, they are required to reread, discuss, and explore
relationships within text. Venn diagrams are also an effective ways to
brainstorm, plan, and organize writing.
Step by Step:
1.
Identifying
Contrasts and Comparisons
The teacher identifies within the text possible
points of comparison and/or contrasts.
2.
Discussing
Points of Comparison and/or Contrasts
The teacher engages the students in a discussion
about the similarities in the designated elements or topics to be compared and
contrasted within the text read. As students identify similarities, the teacher
lists them vertically on a chart, overhead, or chalkboard.
3.
Constructing
the Venn Diagram
Once similarities are listed vertically, the
teacher draws overlapping circles with the list of similarities contained
within the overlapping section of the two shapes. After the circles or shapes
are drawn, they are labeled to indicate the concepts, stories, or aspects of
the stories being compared. Then the teacher places the differing elements
inside the appropriate shapes to provide the comparative analysis.
4.
Reviewing
through Comparative Discussion
The teacher will now engage the students in a discussion related to how they made choices and decisions regarding their selection of elements and the placement of those elements within the Venn Diagram. The teacher encourages students to elaborate on and justify the positions they take relating to their choices for placement of elements or suggestions for changes within the diagram.