Collegial reflection on the meaning of metaphors in learning: emerging theory and practice

Abstract

As educators and lifelong learners, we were drawn together by the question: How have we fostered our own capacity for agency, self-efficacy and risk-taking in the research practices we utilize? This paper reveals a connectivity and enabling thread that has enriched our experiences within and across our disciplinary areas. In particular this paper articulates the value of metaphor as a conceptual tool as well as sharing insights and reflections on the workings of progressive integration into communities of practice.

Keywords:

• metaphor
• communities of practice
• reflection
• higher education
• affirmation