What

Kind of
Learner Are We Guiding Metaphors Key Student Actions Key Teacher Actions Success Defined Through
Developing?

School as a place of work set Follows rules & directions, Defines & explains task (which Grades, scores, completion,
forth and defined by obeys, completes task as may be given by curriculum grade level expectations and
someone else. defined, seeks approval. Or, guides) along with associated standards.
Conforming rewards & punishments.
Student as dutiful worker. rebels by doing nothing
Teacher as manager, (non-conforming).
Supports & monitors
completion. Praises for
deliverer, and provider of conforming. Focuses on the
oversight. “what” of teaching.

School as a place for learning Shows interest, sees Situates task in meaningful Depth, understanding,
done with and for a purpose.
relevance, extends task, asks context, sets associated participation, extension,
Student as active inquirer. questions, interacts with understanding goals and broad excitement.
Engaged purpose, remains open to
Teacher as connector, others around ideas.
extensions, coaches individual
motivator, and provider of
growth and presses for thinking.
context. Focuses on the “how” of
teaching and begins to bring in
the “why.”

School as opportunity for Sets direction and goals, Looks for ways to help students Innovation, creation, agency,
growth & development of displays agency, makes develop confidence in their self-efficacy, passion, joy,
whole person.
choices, pursues passions, abilities, see the power of their impact on world,
Empowered contributions, and connect to
Student as initiator, problem defines task, creates and dispositional growth.
the world. Helps students set
finder, and community innovates.
goals for learning and focus on
member. their own “why.” Pushes and
Teacher as coach, mentor, presses students’ thinking.
co-learner, and community
navigator.

© Ron Ritchhart, 2018