The present work discusses, firstly, different dimensions that characterize the use of analogies in the classroom. Foremost among these are the pupil's level of activity and the degree of monitoring carried out by the teacher. Secondly, the routines declared by a group of science teachers (n = 73), when they described their classroom activity in using analogies, are analysed. It was found that most of the teachers corresponded to traditional models for the use of analogies, or, in the best of cases, to models based on meaningful learning by transmission/reception of previously elaborated knowledge. Finally, some implications for teaching and teacher education are discussed. (Contains 7 tables and 3 figures.)