Let’s back-track to my post in observation of John T. Spencer's, Don’t Let Them Take the Pencils Home.
My comments were, “Excellent points in creative “disguise!” So far (to me), this has been one of the most CLEVER blogs we’ve visited. I’ve subscribed!”
More (follow-up) comments: “I should have elaborated more on my response to John Spencer's (aka, Tom Johnson's) post. When I commented that this was one of the most CLEVER blogs we've visited, it was because of the use of metaphors. I didn't elaborate partly because part of the charm to me in the experience was going along with it and not revealing what really to me was quite evident…excellent points in clever disguise = metaphors.”
One of the things I appreciate most about EDM-310 is the constructive feedback we receive related to our posts. Often what we try to convey in posting, may be misunderstood or taken out of context. When it boils down to it, there is a learning curve with blogging. One of the biggest hurdles to overcome can be expressing our thoughts with clarity. Ta-dah! Here’s where metaphors can help.
Consider the following points made in a blog post by Matt Ambrose, Using Metaphors to Spark Imagination.
1. “Metaphors can spark imagination…and simplify complex principles into imagery the reader understands and help them to picture themselves in the scenario you’re describing.”
2. “Metaphors reflect everyday speech. By comparing an object or scenario to something the reader already holds to be true you can help it resonate emotionally, as well as add flair and creativity to your writing.”
3. “Metaphors persuade. People make decisions based on emotion and logic, and metaphors can be powerful in attaching emotional significance to the seemingly mundane.”
Here are my answers to the questions given by Dr. Strange in his post Metaphors: What They Are and Why We Use Them.
Q1: Why did you miss the metaphor in Tom Johnson's post, or, if you "hit the nail on the head", why do you think you understood the metaphor and why do you think that others in the class missed the metaphor?
A1: I posted, "I think this was one the most clever blogs we visited this semester."
Browsing the blog is a dead giveaway that the discussions are metaphorical. With just a few clicks, you’ll stumble upon the list of characters:
Mr. Brown: A teacher and friend of Tom. He's a little bold at times, fairly rational. Sometimes he catches the reader off-guard.
Mrs. Jackson: She's been teaching for a while and isn't easily caught up in the newest trends. A little scared of technology, a little bold in her pronouncements, but a woman who knows how to teach.
Paul the Pre-Industrial Poet: Mentor of Tom, best friend. A skeptic, a poet, a thinker.
Principal: A new principal who is open to technology, but also wants to keep the district happy.
Tom Johnson: The main character. He's a guy searching for authentic learning and pencils are part of the equation.
Another hint…what school would prohibit students from taking pencils and paper home…hmm?
Q2: What metaphors have you encountered since I asked you to create a log of them?
A2: In the half-an-hour or so that it’s taken me to type this post, I’ve written and italicized numerous metaphors. See if you can find them. Southerners bleed metaphors!
Q3: What other things can we do as educators to help our students to understand and to use metaphors?
A3: We can exercise our brains and teach others to do the same. We can begin our workout by reading and writing more! Poetry, the Bible, literary works, blogs, anything we can wrap our brains around will as poet William Blake said, help us to “stain the water clear.” Listening to all genres of music can also help the metaphorically challenged. Lyrics are jam-packed with metaphors!
Question 4: Why do we use metaphors?
Metaphors add imagery, interest, and depth to our understanding and expression. They really are the gold in the ore.
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