reefs and rainforests

[Brylske at aol.com]

I've been watching this threat with a great deal of interest, given the 
nature of my own research as a marine educator. For the past two years I've 
been studying the role of analogies in human learning, and specially how 
analogy-based instructional strategies can be used in the acquisition of 
scientific concepts.

Currently, I'm finishing my dissertation entitled, "The Effects of 
Analogy-Based Instruction on Concept Learning and Retention in a Non-Formal 
Coral Reef Ecology Program." My research supports the idea that analogies are 
powerful instructional tools, particularly with low-ability learners or those 
with minimal background/experience in the subject area. While my project 
involved the often-used "coral reef as a city" analogy, there's no reason to 
believe that the rain forest concept wouldn't be just as effective. If, in 
fact, you'd like a wonderful example of the reef/rain forest analogy, take a 
look at Dave Gulko's outstanding book, Hawaiian Coral Reef Ecology (pp. 
136-137).

My experience is that scientists often ignore or shy away from the vital role 
of communicating their research to any audience except their peers; and I'm 
very pleased to see educational issues addressed in this forum. I welcome any 
comments of questions in this regard.

Alex Brylske