Learners' Metaphorical Images about Classroom Management in a Social Constructivist Learning Environment.

OpenAlex · English

ABSTRACT: The purpose of this study was to understand the conceptual change teacher candidates went through in the process of a constructivist-learning environment in Classroom Management Course. Teacher candidates ’ metaphorical images about classroom management were obtained before and after a social constructivist curriculum implementation. Prior to the implementation the images depicted “controlling ” or “leading ” type of images of classroom management that indicated a disciplinary vision about classroom management. After the implementation, although the metaphorical concepts did not change much, the teacher candidates ’ images of classroom management depicted more leading type of images that entailed messages of cooperative aspects and awareness of individual differences. This study showed that the learning environment and classroom culture may be effective on teacher candidates ’ conceptions of classroom management. Key words: Metaphors, classroom management, constructivist curriculum implementation, teacher education