Analogie in fisica: un equilibrio tra intuizioni, sfide e apprendimento

Abstract

This workshop explores the pedagogical use of analogies as tools for introducing and clarifying new concepts in science education. While analogies can support understanding, research shows they must be used carefully, since students may focus on different features than teachers intend, and the added cognitive effort can cause confusion. The session discusses how to reduce these risks and how even disanalogies, when handled well, can enhance learning. As a concrete case study, the workshop focuses on teaching electric circuits in physics. It compares the common water flow analogy with an alternative analogy based on balls rolling downhill, examining their respective strengths and limitations, especially for explaining voltage.

Annapaola Ginammi

Postdoctoral Fellow