Final Version May 5 07

Appendix D:
The Image of the Teacher: Metaphor Exercise
The Image of the Teacher
Metaphor Exercise
A metaphor is the application of a word or phrase to something that it does not apply to
literally. Identifying your metaphor of teaching and learning can help you to understand
your practice. According to Clandinin and Connelly (1988) metaphors structure a range
of curriculum practices. For instance it makes a difference if we think of children as clay
to be molded or as players on a team or as travelers on a journey. It makes a difference if
we think of teaching as gardening, coaching, or cooking.
After you write a few journal entries, read them over and see if you can identify a
metaphor. You may come up with only one or you may find several. You can also draw
your metaphor if you like. To help you begin complete this sentence:
My Metaphor(s)
I see teaching as…
Date:
Name:
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