RUME 28
2026
Alexandria, Virginia
Through the RME Looking Glass: Utilizing Analogies to Bridge the Gap for Beginners
Page: 1494
According to Gentner (1983), an analogy maps a source domain (the unfamiliar) to a target domain (the familiar). Thus, the objective of an analogy is to capture the essence of the concept and demonstrate that idea in a familiar setting. In our poster, we will introduce an example of a carefully constructed analogy and how it can be a useful tool for beginners that are still gaining intuition in unfamiliar concepts. Comfortability in college algebra skills are the only assumed prior knowledge. The topic in question is introducing a specific numerical method for solving linear variable-coefficient ordinary differential equations (ODEs) in a two-point boundary value problem (target) by utilizing an analogy involving a cube of varying density restricted to a ruler (source). Along with the poster itself, we include portable manipulatives that represent physical aspects in the source domain such as cube, ruler, small tape measure, thumbtacks, etc. Additionally, the details and actions from the source domain are mapped and explained in terms and steps from the target domain. Through our analogy, we introduce an approachable Realistic Mathematics Education (RME) example with visual and interactive components and, ideally, creates a fun and memorable learning experience (Antonides & Battista, 2022; Gravemeijer, 1999; Lakoff & Núñez, 2000; Nathan, 2021). Thus, with the support of RME and embodied learning, the goal of our poster is to demonstrate the resourcefulness of analogies as a teaching tool and the notion of translating complex mathematical concepts into unconventional context.