An analogy is a similarity between concepts. Analogies can help students build conceptual bridges between what is familiar and what is new. Often, new concepts represent complex, hard-to-visualize systems with interacting parts. Analogies can serve as early “mental models” that students can use to form limited but meaningful understandings of complex concepts. The model has been validated in formal experiments and classroom settings in which the strategic use of analogies has been found to increase students’ learning and interest. This model can serve as a guide for instructors when constructing analogies to help explain key science concepts.
- Most appropriate when explaining new concepts by relating them to older concepts already known to the students.
- It is important to ensure that all students are familiar with the analog concept in order for it to be effective.
- If used carefully, analogies can make complicated concepts meaningful to students. But if used carelessly, it can cause students to form misconceptions.
- Instructors should try to select analogies that share many similar features with the target concept – the more features shared, the better the analogy.
- If analogies are already in student textbooks, instructors can use the model to ensure that the analogies are effective.
- Students should be encouraged to construct their own analogies, keeping in mind the limitation of analogies.
- Instructors can also elaborate on an analogy by conducting analogy-based activities.
- The instructor introduces the target concept, for example, the cell, to the students.
- The instructor reminds students of what they know of the analog concept, for example, a Lego.
- Relevant features of the cell and a Lego are identified.
- Similar features of the cell and a Lego are connected.
- The instructor then indicates where the analogy between the cell and a Lego breaks down.
- Conclusions are drawn about the target concept, the cell in this case.
- Analogies can help students build conceptual bridges between what is familiar and what is new.
- Analogies play an important role in helping students construct their own understanding/knowledge, a process that is encouraged in the science standards and consistent with a constructivist view of learning.
- Instructors can use this model to help their students connect new ideas with relevant prior knowledge.
- Analogies expand a concept in an instructional unit while teaching a more sophisticated mental model.