Teacher as Carpenter: An Interesting Metaphor

In an article on teaching without technology, there was an interesting metaphor for teaching.

“I see teaching as more of an art, and a relationship thing,” said Mr. James. After we talked it out for a while, he settled on the metaphor of a carpenter’s workshop to replace that of a doctor’s clinic: “Let’s say I want to get a really well-made table. I might go to someone who knows the old-style way of making a table, and I’m willing to pay a lot for that,” is how he put it. By extension, tech-based learning feels more like IKEA—a lower-price, build-it-yourself option.

I like that idea. I’m an old-fashioned artisan rather than a purveyor of boxed creations.

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