Structure-mapping Support for Learning by Analogy with Kit-Build Concept Map

Abstract

When people learn new things that are similar to what they already know, analogy enables them to learn faster and deeper by associating knowledge and reinforcing the network of knowledge. However, there are obstacles to using analogy correctly in learning. In this study, we attempt to support learning by analogy through structure mapping of the learning base and target. Expressing the structures of similar contents on a concept map enables learners to recognize the overall similarity by seeing the structures and the correspondence of each component in detail. We propose a learning environment in which learners can try to map the structures of base and target domains as a kit-build concept map. We experimentally used the system at an elementary school to test the feasibility of the learning activity and the learning gain. As the results, students learned with the system understood the target domain more than the students without the system. In addition to that, the students learned with the system could also retain the understanding of the base domain more than the students without the system.