OER Comparison One-Pager
Comparing and contrasting is an activity with which students are likely familiar. But what does this look like in the social studies classroom? Students describe and explain relevant similarities and differences between historical developments and explain the relative historical significance of these similarities and differences. At times, students will be comparing historical events that took place in the same region or time, but often they’ll be comparing across different regions and eras of history.In OER Project’s Comparison Activity Progression, students are introduced to the historical thinking skill of comparison in a low-stakes introduction activity. Next, students progress to beginning activities that use historical examples but provide plenty of scaffolding, which will help ensure their success. As they become more familiar with these skills, students will move on to intermediate activities, and will then end the progression with the most advanced activities, ones that often require them to write extensively.OER Project Comparison Activity Progression Placement: Click here to find the comparison activities in the course you teach.Thinking Tools: Thinking tools help students become familiar with the steps they should take to engage with each historical thinking skill. Over time, students will rely upon the tools less, but they’re always there to support them.The Comparison Tool is included in each of our comparison activities, but can also be used any time you want students to compare different historical topics.Feedback Forms: Feedback forms break down the progression of skills that will guide students to success with each skill. Use these to evaluate how well students are progressing, and to guide instructional decisions based on student success or need for specific intervention. Note that sometimes portions of the feedback form are grayed out—not every activity asks students to meet all the criteria on the form. The Comparison Feedback Form is included inthe lesson guide for each activity. Tips and Tricks from Teachers•Ensure that each comparison activity isanchored with a clear focus question.•Ask students to try to find balancebetween similarities and differences.•Push students to do something with the comparison. It’s a great way to call students to action!•Don’t forget to model, model, model!Learn more in the OER Project Historical Thinking Skills Guide.HISTORICAL THINKING SKILL: COMPARISONOER Project Comparison Tool