ERIC Number: EJ1187993
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2017
Pages: 17
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: EISSN-1087-3430
EISSN: N/A
Analogies in Physics Teaching: Experiences of Trinidadian Physics Teachers
Electronic Journal of Science Education, v21 n4 p65-81 2017
Analogies have been widely used as tools for teaching difficult science concepts. The purposeful use of appropriate analogies can facilitate analogical thinking and help students develop the necessary transfer skills required for lifelong learning. Analogical thinking facilitates the development of higher order thinking skills among students. In this study the experiences of Trinidadian physics teachers on the importance of analogies as an instructional tool and the extent of its usage in physics teaching and learning were explored. Quantitative and qualitative methodologies were employed in this study. The findings revealed that, in general, Trinidadian physics teachers do in fact use analogies in their pedagogical practice but that the analogies used are mostly simplistic and with illustrative character. Some teachers use analogies deliberately to help students build new knowledge by transferring and applying prior knowledge and skills to new learning situations.
Descriptors: Foreign Countries, Science Teachers, Science Instruction, Teaching Methods, Logical Thinking, Physics, Transfer of Training, Prior Learning, Teacher Attitudes, Outcomes of Education
Southwestern University and Texas Christian University. TCU Box 297900, Fort Worth, TX 76129. Tel: 817-257-6115; e-mail: ejse@southwestern.edu; Web site: http://ejse.southwestern.edu
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research; Tests/Questionnaires
Education Level: N/A
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Identifiers - Location: Trinidad and Tobago
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A