Ways to Use Venn Diagrams

Venn Diagrams Using Venn Diagrams allows students to receive learning experiences that are differentiated based on content and processes of learning. The Venn centers around a topic and the circles organize the process and content. The more circles or ovals represent the greater complexity of the learning task. Some students will need to do a one circled Venn, others a two circle, others a three circle and so on. Students are matched to their Venn task based on pre-assessment data. Look below for an example Venn diagram for a Social Studies Class:

Ways to use Venn Diagrams: 1. Introduction to a new topic – they organize information that can help pave the way for deeper learning. Students can use the diagram to take notes in an organized fashion. Another use would be to help students to brainstorm information and then build upon what they learn. 2. In Class Individual or Group Activities – Teachers provide the broad topics and complexity and then the students become independent learners. 3. Unit Review or Assessment – see what the students have learned or help them to learn how to prepare for assessments. 4. Out of Class Individual Activity – This could be an extension to what is being learned in the classroom using other avenues of learning.

Steps for Implementing: 1. Determine the focus of the concept – Beyond determining the topic, teachers must know what specific targets they are looking for to know that students understand the content. These are the teacher expectations; don’t forget to communicate them to the students. 2. Hold ALL students responsible. Each student will be working on levels that vary based on their individual needs. They need to know what they are responsible for. 3. Place students by level –based on pre-assessment data, place students in their appropriate level. Determine how many ovals would be appropriate for them. 4. Give rubrics or scoring guides – In order for students to know a teacher’s expectations and to determine if they are learning, they have to have a guide. 5. Debrief – everyone comes together to share what he or she learned.

(Adapted from Strategies for Differentiating Instruction by Julia L. Roberts and Tracy F. Inman)