Using Analogy to Help Young Children Understand

Analogies offer conceptual models for supporting the development of understanding. Contrary to some expectations, there is growing evidence that young children can reason analogically. Much of this evidence comes from experiments intended to test psychological theories. This study aimed to gauge the practical potential of analogy in topics often considered by teachers difficult for young children to understand. Aspects of young children's understanding of current electricity were compared in two conditions, namely with and without an analogy (87 and 89 children, respectively; 6-7 years of age). The results indicated that the analogy was of practical value in teaching for understanding. It is suggested that their bases be carefully prepared prior to teaching the target topic and that what is to be understood is modelled directly and is explicitly related to its equivalent in the topic. Further investigations to determine conditions for the effective use of analogies when teaching young children, who benefits particularly and in what ways seem warranted.