Abstract
The purpose of this paper is to propose a model for teaching scientific analogies. This model is called: ‘The General Model of Analogy Teaching’ (GMAT). A theoretical framework is developed first for this model. The following points are covered in this framework: (1) definition of the analogy, (2) analogical learning, (3) variables related to the analogical learning, (4) evaluating the outcomes of analogical learning, and (5) limitations of using analogies in teaching. The General Model of Analogy Teaching proceeds in the following nine stages: (1) measure some of the students’ characteristics related to analogical learning in general, (2) assess the prior knowledge of the students about the ‘topic’ to be taught, (3) analyse the learning material of the ‘topic’ to be taught, (4) judge the appropriateness of the analogy to be used, (5) determine the characteristics of the analogy to be used, (6) select the strategy of teaching and the medium of presenting the analogy, (7) present the analogy to the students, (8) evaluate the outcomes of using the analogy in teaching, and (9) revise the stages of the model.