On two metaphors for learning and the dangers of choosing just one

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

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.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)4-13
Number of pages10
JournalEducational Researcher
Volume27
Issue number2
DOIs
StatePublished - 1998

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Education

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'On two metaphors for learning and the dangers of choosing just one'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this