An analysis of the significance of analogies and metaphors in education, linking to experiences in the science classroom

Abstract

Analogies and metaphors have a close link into human imagination and have been shown to help increase conceptual understanding of a topic, while also being powerful tools of communication. They are already well used in modern day science to help scientists create models and theories of phenomena that is currently not fully understood. This is particularly helpful in science, where certain concepts can really push human imagination.  

In this report, I discuss my use of metaphors and analogies before and during the PGCE course. I believe that all science teachers would benefit by planning to use them in their lessons.  The reason for this is that it is my belief that they encourage the student to use communication, lateral thinking, and resilience skills to understand the similarities.