Metaphors Matter Intimidator, ship's captain, judge, entertainer, preacher, gardener - these are some of the metaphors of teaching used by teachers to describe their roles.
Students say there are three common metaphors of the college teacher.
While we may disagree that these are the images that guide us, the students' viewpoint is nevertheless instructive, if only to remind us of the difference between what they perceive and we intend. The purpose here is to explore what these metaphors reveal, and the implied messages students may draw from them. The Guru When colleges were more exclusive institutions, gurus predominated. Some flourish still, especially in graduate programs. Wrapped in mystery and majesty, loftily aloof, the guru labors to keep the sacred discipline unsullied from congress with the common.