A metaphor defined is a word or phrase that is applied to an object in a figurative manner. A simile is a comparison of two different things using like or as. Analogy is a comparison of two different things without the use of like or as. This instructional method involves teaching a new concept and then reaffirming that concept with a metaphor, analogy, or simile so the learner fully grasps it. When doing activities that involve memorization of key concepts, this method would be very useful because the learner would have another way to remember it. This also helps because when you associate a concept with another word or task it implants in the brain better to allow for more long-term memory, so they don’t forget the concepts after the lesson is over or after an examination.
Application:When teaching about careers and how it is more acceptable to job hop than it once was, it may be useful to use a metaphor and compare careers to a cycle or a roundabout. You go through the same process over and over – you apply for a job, get an interview, accept the job, and go through your day-to-day work – like a roundabout. At some point, you have to get out and exit the roundabout to get home or to meet your professional goals, and that is okay. You just get back on the roundabout and repeat the process over again. An activity that I could have people do after understanding the metaphor, is create their own paths. I could have them draw roundabouts or cycles and put in where they are now in school and then what they want their next steps to be, what career they want and for how long, their stepping stone positions. This would allow them to apply the cycle to their own life and see what they are wanting out of their career.
Assessment:I think this would be a form of formative assessment because they are showing me their understanding by drawing out their cycles of career and how they want to be as time goes on.