Metaphors of Teaching

A metaphor describes one thing in terms of another. People use metaphors for teaching all the time. The teacher is a sun, a candle, a tree, a gardener. Each metaphor carries a different view of teaching, the student, and the teacher’s role.

The metaphor a teacher uses shapes how they teach. A teacher who thinks of themselves as a candle gives light. A teacher who thinks of themselves as a gardener grows what each student needs.

The sun or candle

This metaphor says the teacher is a source of light. Light stands for knowledge. The teacher has it. The student does not. The teacher gives light. The student receives it.

The earth gets its light from the sun. The moon gets its light from the sun. Both reflect what the sun gives. In the same way, this metaphor says the student starts dark and lights up because of the teacher.

This view treats teaching as one-way. Knowledge flows from teacher to student. The teacher is the source. The student is the receiver.

The shady tree

This metaphor says the teacher is a tall tree. The tree’s shade falls on whoever comes near. The tree does not pick favorites. Whoever sits under it gets the benefit.

This view focuses on universal benefit. A teacher who thinks this way teaches the same to every student. The teacher does not decide who deserves the help. Whoever needs the shade gets the shade.

Flashcard

What does the 'shady tree' metaphor say about teaching?

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Answer

The teacher gives the same benefit to every student

The tree’s shade falls on whoever comes near. The tree does not pick favorites.

The teacher does not decide who deserves help. Whoever needs the shade gets the shade.

The gardener

This metaphor says the teacher is a gardener. Each student is a different kind of seed. A mango seed grows into a mango tree. A lemon seed grows into a lemon tree. The seeds are not the same.

The gardener does not try to turn a mango seed into a lemon. The gardener finds out what kind of seed each student is. Then the gardener provides the right water, the right fertilizer, and the right amount of sun. Each plant grows into what it can become.

This view treats students as individuals. Each one has different potential. The teacher’s job is to find that potential and help it grow.

Flashcard

Why is the gardener metaphor useful for teachers?

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Answer

It treats every student as a different seed with different potential

A mango seed cannot grow into a lemon. The gardener does not try.

The teacher finds out what each student can become and provides what that student needs.

Build your own metaphor

These three metaphors are common, but they are not the only ones. Some teachers see themselves as guides on a road. Some see themselves as coaches. Some see themselves as mirrors that reflect a student’s progress.

Whatever you think teaching is, that is your metaphor. If you have not thought about it, the metaphor is still forming on its own. Pick a metaphor you can defend. Write it down. Test it against what happens in your classroom.