LESSON 6

ANALOGICAL PROCESSES

Reasoning and problem solving have one thing in common the involvement of
cognitive tasks and structures. In other words, both reasoning and problem solving are
mental tasks that require mental operations and functions. It is for this reason that we
need to understand the role of analogical processes in transfer of learning. But what is
this thing called analogue? An analogue is a referent or equivalent cognitive information
in the brain that can easily be accessed or mapped when needed.
Analogical process or thinking refers to our ability to detect important similarities
between two things. Sometimes called analogical reasoning, it is a kind of thinking in
which we identify similarities between current information and some information
acquired in the past.
Analogical tasks are important in learning because they allow us to detect the
existing relationship between the present and the past information. Transfer of learning
can be facilitated by establishing such relationships. There are two processes involved in
analogical thinking: access and mapping. Access involves retrieval of familiar analogue
or other information from long-term memory when presented with a novel problem. On
the other hand, mapping involves discovering which elements of the novel problem
correspond to elements in the stored analogue.
When we say access, it means our capacity to log onto our brain to search for the
information whose characteristics are the same with the new information. Take note that
only those bits of information stored in the long-term memory system are mappable. in
other words, for the information to be mappable, it should be stored and organized
systematically in the long-term memory system. When we are faced with a novel
situation, our brain is tasked to look for similar components in order to create analogies.
Aptly put, analogies help us a lot in the transfer of knowledge.
Analogical reasoning is a pervasive and powerful process of solving problem in
which we use different tools available in the environment. The following are specific
categories of tools: symbolic representations, self-created symbols, and measuring tools.

Symbolic representations are widely useful in solving problems. Examples of this

are maps, models, and pictures. Children should be taught how to identify and
locate the miniature model of the original life-size object around them.
Self-created tools are novel symbolic tools used for solving problems. If we are
asked to draw objects that would best describe us, we choose the ones that we like
best or those that resemble our personality. In this way, we use self-created tools.
Measuring tools are very common in our subjects in school. For instance, in
Mathematics, when we are asked to measure height, we use a ruler or a tape
measure. In measuring temperature, we use a thermometer. These tools are
concrete materials used to expand our ability to think.