Teaching Is Like ... : A Metaphorical Analysis of Perceptions of Teaching in the United States and China

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Abstract

This study presents metaphors as a tool to gain insights into and compare teachers’ conceptualizations of teaching in the United States and China. We analyzed 11 U.S. and 30 China teachers’ reflections on their own beliefs and practices using existing U.S. and China frameworks for teaching. Similarities among China and U.S. teachers included a focus on professionalism and relationships with students. Additionally, the metaphors revealed personal characteristics of perseverance, resilience, and passion about teaching, particularly among the China teachers. In addition, findings indicated nuanced differences in the frameworks for teaching and the metaphors generated by the teachers to include characterization of relationships with students and views of professionalism to include educational ends, values, and morality.

Authors

• Leslie W. Grant, College of William & Mary
  Presenting Author

• James H. Stronge, College of William & Mary
  Presenting Author

• Xianxuan Xu, Stronge & Associates Educational Consulting, LLC
  Presenting Author