TY - JOUR
T1 - On two metaphors for learning and the dangers of choosing just one
AU - Sfard, Anna
PY - 1998
Y1 - 1998
N2 - This article is a sequel to the conversation on learning initiated by the editors of Educational Researcher in volume 25, number 4. The authors first aim is to elicit the metaphors for learning that guide our work as learners, teachers, and researchers. Two such metaphors are identified: the acquisition metaphor and the participation metaphor. Subsequently, their entailments are discussed and evaluated. Although some of the implications are deemed desirable and others are regarded as harmful, the article neither speaks against a particular metaphor nor tries to make a case for the other. Rather, these interpretations and applications of the metaphors undergo critical evaluation. In the end, the question of theoretical unification of the research on learning is addressed, wherein the purpose is to show how too great a devotion to one particular metaphor can lead to theoretical distortions and to undesirable practices.
AB - This article is a sequel to the conversation on learning initiated by the editors of Educational Researcher in volume 25, number 4. The authors first aim is to elicit the metaphors for learning that guide our work as learners, teachers, and researchers. Two such metaphors are identified: the acquisition metaphor and the participation metaphor. Subsequently, their entailments are discussed and evaluated. Although some of the implications are deemed desirable and others are regarded as harmful, the article neither speaks against a particular metaphor nor tries to make a case for the other. Rather, these interpretations and applications of the metaphors undergo critical evaluation. In the end, the question of theoretical unification of the research on learning is addressed, wherein the purpose is to show how too great a devotion to one particular metaphor can lead to theoretical distortions and to undesirable practices.
UR - http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?scp=3042827902&partnerID=8YFLogxK
U2 - 10.3102/0013189X027002004
DO - 10.3102/0013189X027002004
M3 - Article
AN - SCOPUS:3042827902
SN - 0013-189X
VL - 27
SP - 4
EP - 13
JO - Educational Researcher
JF - Educational Researcher
IS - 2
ER -