Metaphors We Teach By: Understanding Ourselves as Teachers and Learners Author: Mary Ann Bowman, Western Michigan University Presented by: Yacouba Sidibe
Outline Definition of metaphor The Power of Metaphor - Metaphors as a global term - Strength and limitations of metaphor messages - Use of metaphor as interpretation of reality and experience
Outline (continue…) Teaching Metaphors - Teaching based on the “Teaching is telling” metaphor - Another metaphor of teaching “Teaching is like banking” - The powerover relationship metaphor - The metaphor of teaching as “gardening” - The metaphor of teaching as “cooking” - The metaphor of teaching as “coaching”
Outline (continue…) Importance of metaphors to technical writing Conclusion
Definition of Metaphor Metaphor is defined as the replacement of one idea or object with another, used to assist expression or understanding. “Living” metaphors: considered as original metaphors (the internet is an information superhighway.) “Dead” metaphors: incorporated into normal usage (I am open to suggestions.)
Metaphor as a Global Term Metaphor is usually used to compare two unlike things, which in result improve our understanding. Metaphor can be used as “filter” for our perceptions. If inaccurately used, they may distort information or cause false generalizations.
Strength and limitation of metaphor messages Metaphors are most of the time below our level of conscious awareness. Metaphors powerfully influence us, shaping our perspectives and actions.
Use of metaphor as interpretation of reality and experience “My Love is a flower” suggests delicacy and beauty. “My love is an open book” suggests honesty and frankness. “My love is a rock” suggests stability and permanence. “My love is my life” suggests dedication and total dependence.
Teaching Metaphors Most basic metaphor is “teaching is telling” -Teacher possesses knowledge and students learn when told the information. Another metaphor is “teaching is banking” -knowledge in the head of teacher, who deposits information in the head of students. “The teacher is the master, the student the disciple” metaphor. -Teacher’s expertise and authority exert control over students
Teaching Metaphors (continue…) An additional metaphor is “teaching is gardening” -teacher makes learning and growth possible by tending the garden of new learners. “teaching is cooking” metaphor -teacher as a master chef cooks with students creating together. Finally “teaching is coaching” metaphor -teacher motivate, inspire students to achieve their potential as learners.
Importance of Metaphors to Technical Writing The field of IT, like many other field of study, deals with metaphors in a regular basis. The importance of metaphors in IT is to become more familiar with the different terminologies. -”windows” screens displayed on the computer monitor remind of window frames. Metaphors also simplify concepts.
Conclusion We use metaphors all the time to help define our role and purpose in the classroom. Metaphors come from personal experience and are being used in students everyday life. Most student and sometimes even teachers are not aware of their use because they use them so much. Teachers need to have a conscious awareness of dominant metaphors because they influence behavior.