Metaphors and education. An evolving research perspective

The aim of this article is to develop a theoretical and methodological approach to the use of metaphors in educational settings. This perspective will help to discover hidden meanings in educational relationships and to explore personal and professional epistemologies as they affect teaching and learning practices in today's school environment. Drawing on the Neo-Piagetian epistemological perspective and the cognitive linguistics theory on the use of metaphor, this article outlines pathways of reflection for teacher training in order to map educational models, cognitive and emotional orientations in educational relationships. It also focuses on the deconstruction of narratives, stereotypes, categorizations, representations, and mystifications with the aim of creating inclusive school communities and promoting cultural awareness.