Writing scientifically is not always the same as writing well. Sadly, using literary flourishes are actively discouraged in scientific writing. The reason this is unfortunate is because metaphors are so powerful. For example, the use of lenses to describe observations is extremely helpful for authors and readers. One reason I appreciate this metaphor is that it illustrates that we see is influenced by our preexisting views. This could apply to predictions about pendulum behaviors. And we are aware that what we expect from students can also be what we end up believing is true. By suggesting that we look at our world through lenses, we can recognize the role that perspective has upon observations.
Especially when discussing about education it becomes important to rely upon metaphors to describe our thinking. All of us are acquainted with reflection in education. Using the idea of a mirror can enrich this idea. First, a mirror can allow us to see ourselves from the perspective of an outsider. Second, using a mirror allows us to see what surrounds us. Third, mirrors can be curved so that the object we see looks different. Car mirrors sometimes say that objects may be closer than they appear. Mirrors then become an interesting metaphor for looking at ourselves.
Similarly, filters can be used as a metaphor for looking at the world. Filters can be used to block certain wavelengths with Polaroid lenses as a great example. What becomes crucial in such circumstances is recognizing that our filters are in place. Otherwise we might believe we are viewing certain schools and some students as the way they "really" are when, in reality, how we seem them is being colored by the perceptual lenses we have been using. In the best of circumstances, we can come across a reading that helps us realize that an optimistic perspective about urban schools is not a foolish lens or filter to use. And when we look at ourselves in the mirror and consider who we might be if we choose to become an urban teacher then we see things in ways that expand our vision and broaden our perspectives.
Especially when discussing about education it becomes important to rely upon metaphors to describe our thinking. All of us are acquainted with reflection in education. Using the idea of a mirror can enrich this idea. First, a mirror can allow us to see ourselves from the perspective of an outsider. Second, using a mirror allows us to see what surrounds us. Third, mirrors can be curved so that the object we see looks different. Car mirrors sometimes say that objects may be closer than they appear. Mirrors then become an interesting metaphor for looking at ourselves.
Similarly, filters can be used as a metaphor for looking at the world. Filters can be used to block certain wavelengths with Polaroid lenses as a great example. What becomes crucial in such circumstances is recognizing that our filters are in place. Otherwise we might believe we are viewing certain schools and some students as the way they "really" are when, in reality, how we seem them is being colored by the perceptual lenses we have been using. In the best of circumstances, we can come across a reading that helps us realize that an optimistic perspective about urban schools is not a foolish lens or filter to use. And when we look at ourselves in the mirror and consider who we might be if we choose to become an urban teacher then we see things in ways that expand our vision and broaden our perspectives.
1 comment:
Hi John,
Thanks for taking time to expand upon the idea I've been mulling about in my head these past few weeks. What really struck me was when you mentioned filters. I hadn't even begun to think about this idea. It is true though. Many times we see people as we want to see them because we block out certain pieces of information or we fail to take the whole picture into account. Quite a challenge for us educators. How do we remove these oft-subconscious filters in order to best serve our students?
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