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Analogy

Teaching and Learning Strategies

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The premise of analogy as a teaching strategy is to make the unfamiliar familiar. Analogy is defined as a likeness or similarity between two things that are otherwise unalike. Analogy enhances an understanding of complex concepts or abstractions by allowing learners to consider the concepts in a different context. This learning strategy can be used in a variety of settings (classroom, clinical, Web) and can be used with large groups, small groups, or as an individual assignment.

Example of Using an Analogy (Video)

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Developing and Implementing Analogy as a Teaching Strategy

It is important to point out that that there are several ways this learning activity can be done; the level of the learner and the desired time spent on task are variables that should be considered. Some sources describe drawing an analogy from everyday life experiences; a higher level activity requires learners to use non-nursing literature to draw comparisons. Regardless of the method used, the basic following steps are followed:

Phase I: Substantive Input	The instructor must clearly frame the content of study conceptually. This may be done as a classroom presentation, discussion, or through written materials provided to the student.
Phase II: Analogy	The learners draw analogies that represent the concepts. Students should be able to compare analogies to the concepts by explaining how they are similar, but also how they are different.
Phase III: Concept Summarization	Students should summarize the connections made either in discussion groups, or in writing. A fun way to do this is to ask the student to write a story (using the analogy) to explain the concept, and are then shared with other students.

Advantage	Disadvantage
Is an active learning strategy Stimulates critical thinking Does not require a great deal of preparation Facilitates learning of complex concepts	This activity does not appeal to all students; some will not want to participate, and may consider the activity a waste of class time. Some students have difficulty making connections in a meaningful way. Use of literature for analogy can be difficult and time consuming.