Like a fissionable isotope, knowledge has a half-life. Fortunately, teachers can craft information in ways that can change the nuclear heart of subject matter to ensure interest, linkage, and retention, all through the telling of a good story. Taking students' existing knowledge and background into account to carefully craft appropriate analogy-integrated stories, key concepts and information can be rendered familiar, accessible, engaging, and enjoyable. “The Marvels of the (Squabbling) Cell” is an example story that employs anthropomorphosis to convey general cell biology in a lighthearted manner in which personal experience and social rules enable a deeper understanding of complex biological subject matter. Equally important, the story lives in students as a conceptual landmark that remains in view during instruction.
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The American Biology Teacher
Vol. 78 • No. 9
November 2016
Vol. 78 • No. 9
November 2016
analogies
anthropomorphosis
drama
enjoyable
experiential
humor
motivation