History and Philosophy of Education Metaphor

A Backpack Metaphor

Ideas: (1) We carry around with us who/what/how/why we are. We show people our outside, while hiding what we have inside until the right people or situation presents itself.

Doctrine: How important is education to you? Is it something you flaunt around like a status symbol? Or do you educate yourself to better yourself and those around you? Or do you just enjoy learning? 

            Backpack: Different types of backpacks have different secondary functions (after being something to hold other things in). Some are meant to be fun or flashy in design, others meant for heavy loads, or for carrying convenience. The better your backpack is for the primary function the less important it is that the outside look cool. You can decorate it yourself, you can add patches or pins, but at heart, it is still a backpack, and its what’s inside that matters.

Principle: How much knowledge are you trying to gain, to keep with you? (80 percent of the brain is built specifically to block new information from coming in. How are you trying to make what you know stick?) Do you carry reminders, do you review, re read, re learn what you want to remember?
                Backpack: What do you keep in your back pack? Do you even keep anything in it? Do you throw your binder in with your books, or do you carry them around because you don’t want to ruin the backpack? 

Principle: What knowledge are trying to gain? Is it important to you? Is it important to someone else?
                Backpack: do you only have textbooks, or do you have a few books meant for you in there too? Do you keep a sketchbook, a notebook or a little project in there for you to come back to every once in a while?

Tools: Do you make sure you understand the information you’re supposed to be learning? Do you take the time to study harder or longer concepts and ideas you didn’t get?
                Backpack: Do you keep pens and pencils and erasers on hand? Extra notes? A Library card? 

Tools: Are you making sure you’re using all your time and knowledge wisely? Everyone is intelligent when given a chance. Are you giving yourself that chance?
                Backpack: with all those pockets it’s easy to lose papers, pens or books. Do you try to organize things so you can pull out the right thing when it’s needed?

Tools: Are you taking care of yourself so you can continue to learn? Are you healthy, energetic for class? Are you getting enough sleep?
                Backpack: Did you remember to pack a lunch?