Your Metaphor: Teacher as a Bridge

A response to the Your Metaphor Activity
created by Ani Amirmooradian Malhami (@Ani)

Number of views: 150

I see my approach to teaching as a bridge at every step. Similar to a bridge symbolizing transformation, my teaching aims to guide students through a mental transformation. As a teacher, my goal is to facilitate this transformation by helping them bridge the gap between what they already know (starting point – one side of the bridge) and what they are expected to know (endpoint – the other side of the bridge).

Just like a bridge provides support, I offer ample support and feedback to move students from their base knowledge to the desired knowledge. Recognizing each learner’s uniqueness, I customize my feedback, teaching methods, and classroom activities for every student.

In the classroom, I emphasize the importance of enjoying the learning process, comparing it to the fun of crossing a bridge. I also acknowledge the challenges in learning to write and the mental transformation it involves. Encouraging perseverance, I remind students that, just like crossing a bridge, they may face obstacles, and quitting in the middle or turning back won’t lead to success.

I assure them of my presence at every step, providing the necessary tools, mindsets, and techniques (like an appropriate and functioning vehicle) to navigate the journey. However, mastering these tools requires patience and practice, much like learning to drive. I emphasize that I am there for maintenance, encouraging them to keep their destination in mind and seek help when needed.