[spectramax]

Also, the entire article would be much clearer with plain language. Analogies are overrated and ELI5 method actually hurts in grasping complex abstract topics.

[sebscholl]

I have a really hard time swallowing the idea of analogies being over-rated. There is so much literature behind the effectiveness of analogies in learning, particularly in sciences: https://pdfs.semanticscholar.org/8518/367cc1ef090ea263c39e91...

Why do you feel this way?

[spectramax]

I should correct myself and say that Analogies are "Overused". Feynman's teaching style had frequent use of Analogies but as a way to clarify the concept, not manifest the concept using an analogy in a didactic manner to students. He explained things in plain english first.

Analogies definitely have a place in learning but it should be carefully prefaced with a warning that analogies can only go so far. You can't explain Quantum Electrodynamics using analogies or you're misleading the students.

[sebscholl]

Challenge accepted.

[aloknnikhil]

I think the whole purpose of ELI5, when done right, is to introduce you to the concept. Not help you master it. Similarly, analogies do help, especially for a non-native speaker.

[spectramax]

Introduction shouldn't be complicated to explain in plain english. Instead of introducing to the concept, it misleads from the beginning.

[aloknnikhil]

Fair enough. ELI5s wouldn't be necessary if the original abstract was good enough.