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Analogies in Modelling-Based Teaching and Learning

  • John K. Gilbert
  • Rosária Justi
Chapter
First Online:
Part of the Models and Modeling in Science Education book series (MMSE, volume 9)

Abstract

The creation and use of analogies play important roles in modelling. An analogy is created when some aspects of an unknown target are compared with those of a source about which more is known. The drawing of an analogy between a target and a source involves following a series of steps, the nature of the possible relationship being bounded by a series of requirements and constraints. Suitable analogies, once created, play central roles in providing explanations for difficult models, acting asteaching models to promote the understanding of conceptually difficult target models. This role has been extensively investigated in science education. MBT provides an opportunity to introduce students to the creative role of analogies. A case study is presented on the creative use of analogy in each aspect of a modelling activity is facilitated by MBT. The teacher’s part in the operation of both these roles – explanatory and creative – is outlined.

Keywords

Target Domain Analogical Reasoning Base Domain Copper Sulphate Solution Explicit Request 
These keywords were added by machine and not by the authors. This process is experimental and the keywords may be updated as the learning algorithm improves.
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Copyright information

© Springer International Publishing Switzerland 2016

Authors and Affiliations

  • John K. Gilbert
    • 1
  • Rosária Justi
    • 2
  1. 1.The University of ReadingBerkshireUK
  2. 2.Universidade Federal de Minas GeraisBelo HorizonteBrazil

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