Introduction
New ideas often feel difficult not because they are complex, but because they are unfamiliar. When people encounter something they have never seen before, the brain has to work harder to make sense of it. This is where learning by analogy becomes powerful.
Analogies help people understand something new by connecting it to something they already know. Instead of starting from scratch, the brain builds on existing knowledge. The unfamiliar becomes familiar. The abstract becomes concrete.
Analogies turn complex systems, processes, and behaviours into ideas employees can quickly grasp and remember. They act as mental bridges, reducing confusion and making learning feel more intuitive.
This article explores how learning by analogy works, why it is so effective, the science behind it, and how to design learning experiences that use analogies to improve understanding and application.
What Is Learning by Analogy?
Learning by analogy is the process of understanding a new concept by mapping it onto a familiar one.
Rather than explaining something in isolation, analogy-based learning:
- Links new ideas to existing mental models
- Highlights similarities between known and unknown concepts
- Uses comparison to simplify understanding
For example:
- Explaining data storage as organising files on a desk
- Describing a workflow as a relay race with handoffs
- Comparing cybersecurity to locking doors and windows at home
The goal is not to oversimplify, but to provide an entry point that makes learning easier to start.
Why Analogies Help the Brain Learn
They reduce cognitive load
When learners recognise part of an idea, they spend less mental effort trying to understand everything at once.
They activate prior knowledge
Analogies tap into what learners already know, which strengthens comprehension and recall.
They make abstract ideas concrete
Complex or invisible processes become easier to imagine when framed through familiar experiences.
They speed up understanding
A well-chosen analogy can create instant clarity that detailed explanations sometimes fail to achieve.
Analogies help learners say, “I get it,” sooner.
The Science Behind Learning by Analogy
Schema Theory
Schemas are mental frameworks built from past experience. Learning is easier when new information fits into existing schemas. Analogies help learners connect new ideas to what they already understand.
Reference: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Schema_(psychology)
Analogical Reasoning
Research shows that people naturally reason by analogy, especially when solving problems or learning new concepts. Mapping similarities between situations supports deeper understanding.
Reference: Gentner, D. (1983). Structure-mapping: A theoretical framework for analogy.
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0364021383800093
Cognitive Load Theory
Learning becomes harder when working memory is overloaded. Analogies reduce cognitive load by providing familiar reference points.
Reference: https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/psychology/cognitive-load-theory
Conceptual Change
Analogies help learners restructure understanding when new concepts challenge existing beliefs, making them valuable for complex or counterintuitive topics.
Together, these findings explain why analogy-based learning feels natural and effective.
What Learning by Analogy Looks Like in Workplace Learning
1. Visual metaphors
Using images or diagrams that mirror familiar objects or systems.
Examples include:
- Pipelines to represent processes
- Icebergs to show visible and hidden factors
- Journeys to explain progression over time
Visual analogies support quick comprehension and recall.
2. Story-based comparisons
Scenarios that mirror real-world experiences help learners relate emotionally and cognitively.
For example:
- Comparing customer service to hosting a guest
- Framing project management as planning a trip
Stories provide context that makes analogies more memorable.
3. Process analogies
Complex workflows become clearer when compared to everyday systems.
Examples include:
- Gardening
- Sports teamwork
- Planning a family trip
These comparisons help learners understand sequencing and dependencies.
4. Behavioural analogies
Soft skills often benefit from analogy-based explanation.
For instance:
- Feedback as adjusting a mirror, not pointing a finger
- Leadership as setting the rhythm rather than controlling every step
Analogies make intangible behaviours easier to grasp.
5. Transitional analogies
Starting with a simple analogy and gradually refining it helps learners move from basic understanding to accurate application.
This prevents oversimplification while maintaining clarity.
Why Learning by Analogy Improves Application
It supports transfer
When learners understand the underlying pattern, they can apply knowledge in new situations.
It strengthens recall
Familiar reference points make it easier to retrieve information later.
It builds confidence
Learners feel more capable when new ideas connect to what they already know.
It encourages sense-making
Analogies invite learners to think, compare, and reflect rather than memorise.
Learning by analogy helps knowledge stick and travel.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Using misleading analogies
If similarities are superficial, analogies can create misconceptions.
Overextending the comparison
Analogies should clarify, not replace accurate explanation.
Assuming shared experience
Not all learners share the same background. Choose analogies that are broadly relatable.
Failing to explain limits
It helps to clarify where an analogy works and where it stops.
Good analogies guide understanding without distorting it.
Designing Effective Analogies in Learning
Strong learning analogies:
- Are familiar to the audience
- Highlight meaningful similarities
- Are clearly explained
- Are revisited during application
They are intentional design choices, not decorative elements.
Conclusion
Learning by analogy works because it respects how the brain naturally learns. People understand new ideas by connecting them to what they already know.
When learning builds these connections, complexity feels manageable rather than intimidating. Analogies reduce effort, speed up understanding, and support application in real situations.
Analogies do more than explain. They empower employees to make sense of change, internalise new skills, and act with confidence. The strongest learning does not start from zero. It starts from what people already understand.
FAQ: Learning by Analogy
What is learning by analogy?
It is a learning approach that explains new concepts by comparing them to familiar ideas or experiences.
Why are analogies effective in learning?
They reduce cognitive effort, activate prior knowledge, and make abstract ideas easier to understand.
Can analogies oversimplify learning?
Yes, if used carelessly. Effective analogies clarify while acknowledging their limits.
Are analogies useful for technical topics?
Yes. Visual and process-based analogies are especially effective for technical and complex subjects.
Should analogies replace detailed explanation?
No. They work best as entry points that support deeper learning.
Why Choose Learnnovators?
Learnnovators is a global leader in custom e-learning solutions. Founded in Chennai (India) in 2003, we’ve delivered 15,000+ hours of learning content in 60+ languages for 300+ clients across 5 continents.
We are a trusted e-learning partner for leading enterprises worldwide. We design learner-centric, scalable solutions that strengthen performance, deepen engagement, and align with your strategic business goals. Whether you want to improve training outcomes or accelerate business growth, our solutions are built to maximise impact and deliver sustainable results.
Our services include Custom E-Learning, Mobile Learning, Gamified Learning, Blended Learning, Flash To HTML5 Conversion, Localization, and Moodle Customization. We also offer a Learning Management System (LMS) called Learnospace.
Write to elearning@learnnovators.com to craft learning that transforms behaviour!
