Virtual Workroom on Workforce Readiness
USING VENN DIAGRAMS TO COMPARE AND CONTRAST
(ABE or ASE)
In this lesson, ABE or ASE students compare the occupational requirements of an
instructional aide with those of a student, using an Evaluation Form for an Instructional
Aide and a Venn Diagram which students complete.
Workplace Skills Used in This Lesson:
Reading for details, analyzing and summarizing information, drawing conclusions,
clarifying concepts using a graphic organizer, collaboration, communication, and
participation
Materials:
Compare and Contrast Venn Diagram Worksheet
Instructional Aide Evaluation (PDF)
Venn Diagram Answer Key (PDF)
Instructions:
1. Introduce the concept of using a graphic organizer to visualize, summarize and clarify
information on two parallel concepts, events, groups, ideas, etc.
2. Tell the students that today they are going to compare and contrast the “occupation” of
student to the occupation of an instructional aide (classroom aide).
3. Draw a two-circle Venn Diagram on the board and state that Venn Diagrams are help us
visualize and remember how two things are similar or different.
4. Explain how the students will record information in the Venn Diagram Worksheet: Each full
circle will represent either the student or the instructional aide. This is where you can list
how their occupations are different from one another. Write an example (see Venn Diagram
Answer Key)
5. Now explain that overlapping space created by the two circles is where students will list the
commonalities or similarities of both occupations. Write an example (see Venn Diagram
Answer Key).
6. Pass out the Instructional Aide Evaluation Form (PDF). Point out main sections of it and
explain that this is a sample of a form which employers might use to evaluate their workers
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Virtual Workroom on Workforce Readiness
periodically. The ratings show students examples of what employers look for in a good
employee/worker.
7. Pass out the Compare and Contrast Venn Diagram Worksheet, then do a few examples to
help students understand. For instance, in the Student circle, write receives no paycheck
and in the Instructional Aide circle, write receives a paycheck. In the Student circle write
enrolled in school and in the Instructional Aide circle write hired by employer for a specific
job. In the overlap of the two circles, write what both have in common. For example, write
must be productive to succeed.
8. Have students work in pairs or small groups to complete the diagram.
9. On the board, draw a super-sized Venn Diagram and invite students to fill in their answers
on the board as they finish.
10. Conclude by having students orally answer the questions on the top of the worksheet.
Lastly, ask them how employers use the evaluation as well as how the employee might use
it (self-improvement, promotions, raises, etc.)
Expansion Activity:

Role Play: Have pairs of students take on the role of an instructional aide (in this
class) and the instructor. Have the Instructional Aide take the lead in an informal
conversation about the skills he or she has developed and what his or her greatest
strengths are as well as one area for improvement.

Considering the transferable skills students shared on the Venn Diagram, have them
do one of the following:
–
List two areas for improvement and action steps to improve them; or
–
If your class has a classroom aide, have students anonymously but with serious
intentions fill out the evaluation of them.
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Virtual Workroom on Workforce Readiness
COMPARE AND CONTRAST VENN DIAGRAM WORKSHEET
Instructions:
Place any information that is true for both in the overlapping circles. Use the individual
circles for what is only true for the individual.
Questions for Reflection and Discussion:
1. How are the occupations of student and worker different? How are they alike? (Use the
Instructional Aide Evaluation as a reference to complete the assignment.)
2. What kind of skills do the two have in common? Do you have any of these skills?
Make “I” Statements to answer this question.
Venn Diagram
Student
Instructional Aide
Both
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© CALPRO 2011