comps reading - On Two Metaphors for Learning and the Dangers of Choosing Just One

Written by Anna Sfard, this paper first points out why and how metaphor is used in research. While metaphors in research serve the function of reifying abstract concept by employing the power of language, they, to some extent, also constrain the meaning of the concept reified by metaphors. Sfard said in the paper:

"The difficulty with telling the metaphorical from the scientific is aggravated by the fact that scientific vocabulary is usually borrowed from other domains and that the figurative expressions are the only ones in which the theories can be formulated."

"On one hand, as a basic mechanism behind any conceptualization, they (metaphors) are what makes our abstract (and scientific) thinking possible; on the other hand, they keep human imagination within the confines of our former experience and conceptions."

Followed by explicating functions and constraints metaphors have, Sfard talked about two currently dominant metaphors for learning: acquisition metaphor (AM) versus participation metaphor (PM). Sfard in Table 1 distinguished AM from PM:

Respectively Sfard the characteristics and the theoretical foundations of AM and PM, along with the different issues / dilemmas existing in AM and PM. In this way Sfard makes clear the dangers of choosing just one metaphor to follow. Regarding AM, the main problem lies in the so-called "learning paradox": how can we want to acquire a knowledge of something that is not yet know to us? With respect to PM, as it views learning as being in action and in a constant flux, problems arise when it comes to transfer and subject matter.

Sfard's conclusion: one metaphor is not enough. By arguing this way Sfard thought that each (of the two metaphors) has something to offer that the other cannot provide. She encourages us to live with contradictions (of the two metaphors). It seems to me that when applying the metaphors to reify abstract concepts, though convenient, make sure not to be stuck by the contradictions the metaphors per se have. Very often it is the exploitation of words that causes problems. Therefore, when perceiving being stuck, try to think out of the box.