Abstract:
While the use of personal teaching metaphors has been the subject of considerable research at the teacher level (Dickmeyer, 1989; Munby, 1986; Provenzo, McCloskey, Kottkamp and Cohn, 1989), there has been limited study in the use of this method at the preservice stage (Bullough, 1991). This paper explores the benefits of introducing teaching metaphors to students enrolled in a teacher education course. Fifty teaching metaphors were analysed to reveal how the participants perceived their role in the teaching process. What these metaphors can tell us about their creators and how teacher educators may be able to benefit from this knowledge is discussed. Further, some of the potential problems arising from using this method are outlined.