Back to the format index

Analytical architecture·Medium cognitive demand·20–40 minutes

Model Comparison

Compare explanatory models by assumptions, reach, evidence and failure points.

Knowledge
Conceptual · Evaluative
Sequence
Disciplinary Application · Independent Judgment
Interaction
Medium

Compare explanatory models by assumptions, reach, evidence and failure points. Model Comparison is selected when its reasoning mechanism matches an accepted learning requirement and produces evidence a teacher can inspect.

01How the architecture unfolds

  1. Define the learning target and evidence.
  2. Run the Model Comparison routine with one bounded case.
  3. Capture evidence and identify the next teaching move.

02The work on each side

Teacher moves

  • State the reasoning purpose
  • Monitor one diagnostic feature
  • Respond to the evidence

Student moves

  • Retrieve
  • Apply
  • Explain

03What would count as learning?

  • Students produce an observable response linked to the target

04Across the curriculum

History

Evidence and judgment

Use Model Comparison to make a historical reasoning move visible.

Science

Explanation and application

Use Model Comparison to expose how students select and apply a scientific model.