H – Diagram for Making Comparisons
Another good vocabulary activity that helps students learn terms and concepts is one in
which they much compare and contrast information. Research confirms that one of the
most effective ways for students to retain content information is to have them make
comparisons between ideas (Marzano, Pickering, and Pollock, 2001) Many teachers use
a Venn diagram, but other graphic organizers can be more effective and easy to use
such as the H-Diagram. This graphic organizer can be used to compare important
historical figures or other abstract terms. The H-Diagram below shows a comparison
between the Federalists and Democratic Republicans. As students examine the critical
information about the two parties, they list the differences on the two sides of the H
and the similarities in the crossbar.
H – Diagram Comparison between Federalists and Democratic Republicans
Federalists
Democratic Republicans
Led by Hamilton
Led by Jefferson
Strong Central Government
Weak central government
Loose interpretation of the
Constitution
Wanted large peacetime army
National bank
Similarities
Political party
Had a vision for the new
nation
Strict interpretation of the
Constitution
Wanted small peacetime army
No national bank
Pro tariffs
Against tariffs
Supported by northern
businessmen and large
landowners
Supported by skilled workers,
small farmers, and plantation
owners