Metaphors for Teaching - EDUC 7105 Module 1

There are many anecdotes, analogies, and metaphors to describe the various jobs of an educator. Siemens (2008) puts forward five such metaphors: the Master Artist, Network Administrator, Concierge, Curator, and Instructivist/Constructivist. While each of these metaphors suggests the importance of recognizing student achievement and providing meaningful learning resources and experiences, one of them stands out as being particularly applicable to online learning; the Concierge. 

In the real world, a concierge’s job is to know his or her customers and to be knowledgeable about the area. This allows the concierge to point customers towards restaurants and other attractions that they might enjoy. Likewise, the instructor’s job is not only to understand a student’s goals, strengths, and learning styles, but also to direct him or her towards appropriate learning materials in order to deepen understanding (Siemens, 2008). This ability is essential for instructors in the online environment where the facilitation of learning is emphasized much more so than in most traditional, face-to-face classrooms. The role of the concierge also provides students with the opportunity to experience learning as defined by Driscoll (2005), who states that learning, “must come about as a result of the learner’s experience and interaction with the world” (pg. 9). There is no more qualified person to direct learners out into the world and provide them with meaningful experiences than a teacher.

Perhaps the only more all-encompassing metaphor for the job of teaching would be that of the Shoe Salesman. I liken my experience as a shoe salesman to that of a concierge in that I also had to know my customers’ goals and preferences in order to match them with the appropriate shoes. However, I had the added task of assessing problems with their existing shoes, as well as the opportunity to suggest additional accessories to go with their new purchases. As an educator, it is also important that I assess and attempt to solve any problems that a student may have. Educators also have the opportunity to provide extensions to assignments and to suggest optional resources they believe to be beneficial.

On a side note: As we read about and discussed behaviorism during this module, I could not help but be reminded of a scene from one of my favorite television shows. I thought this to be an appropriate venue to share it with you. Enjoy.

"Sheldon Trains Penny" - The Big Bang Theory

Driscoll, M. P. (2005). Psychology of learning for instruction (3rd ed.). Boston, MA:

Pearson Education, Inc.

Siemens, G. (2008, January 27). Learning and knowing in networks: Changing roles for

educators and designers. Paper presented to ITFORUM. Retrieved from http://it.coe.uga.edu/itforum/Paper105/Siemens.pdf


Module 1 Comments:


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