Identifying Similaritites and Differences - Marzano Chapter 2

What: I used Venn diagrams in all of my classes for the following purposes:
To compare and contrast characters in Of Mice and Men and Julius Caesar, to compare and contrast different types of phrases, and to compare and contrast good open-ended responses from great open-ended responses.

So What? The strategy worked exceptionally well to allow students to see good from great- a distinction that is difficult to make for most students. It allowed students to visualize similarities between characters that on the surface did not seem so similar, much to the surprise of many students.

Now What? There is no reason to stop using this strategy that proved so useful. It doesn't require any materials, any heavy planning, and it is completely student-driven, not to mention helpful to the students. I will continue to use Venn diagrams on a regular basis.

Personal and Professional Teaching Goals

Professional Growth Goals:

Personal:
I am desperate to get into a doable routine at home to be more organized, to find time to grade thoroughly and get students’ work back efficiently

Professional:
I intend to read articles/research to help me do new things in the classroom for reading comprehension. Getting students to read on a deeper level is a very big professional concern for me.

Professional Growth Measurable Activites:

Personal:
I want to have more time for myself and with my husband so that I can be more relaxed with my students and not feel so torn between my personal and professional life. I want to plan activities and stick to them.

Professional:
I want more of my AP kids to get commended performance on TAKS

Professional Growth Assessment and Evaluation:

Personal:
I will apply and implement researched techniques in the classroom.

Professional:
I will evaluate Benchmark/Milestone progress of my students

Wordle

http://www.wordle.net/gallery/wrdl/526555/Janie