One step forward, two steps back: An examination of certificated teachers’ metaphorical images of schooling

Abstract

This study explored the metaphors of schooling generated by prospective teachers ( N = 157) in Turkey who were attending a teacher training program to be certificated for the teaching profession. The schooling (teacher, learner, school) metaphors of certificated teachers were collected by using concept prompts such as ‘A teacher is like … because …’, ‘A learner is like … because …’ and ‘A school is like … because …’. In total 278 valid metaphors and 20 conceptual themes derived from the metaphors were generated across the three concepts. All of the metaphors produced were also categorized as either teacher-centered or learner-centered. The results show that the certificated teachers hold pervasively teacher-centered teaching beliefs which will shape their future classroom practices. In addition, it was also concluded that the certification program implemented in the university context did not meet the required high standards of teacher training and should be thoroughly reviewed and revised to provide a broader perspective. The metaphors appeared to act as a powerful thinking tool by providing an insight into the pedagogical thinking of and further actions by certificated teachers, and led to a discussion of recommendations regarding teacher training via certification programs.