NLA Discussion: Metaphors & Analogies In Adult Literacy Education

[Sharon Hennessy]

The journey metaphor

I'll take a risk and propose a metaphor for ESL.

ESL programs or classes are like an airport or train station.  Students are
passing through on the way to new homes, new jobs, reunions with family,
and strange new places they don't quite understand or have only dreamed of.
 It is crowded and confusing, full of hope and fear.  They have some things
in their bags that will help them and some that are useless--some can't
tell the difference yet, but will with time-- if they have to wait too long
for the connecting flight/train.  Unlucky stops at customs counters will
require extensive baggage inspection and possible detention.  Teachers are
the ticket masters, information announcers, inspectors, vendors, janitors,
security guards and fellow passengers who offer information and advice and
sometimes ask --"where you are going?   and why?" -- some travelers
attribute their success in finding the way to some critical piece of
advice, information or understanding they got in the process of the
journey.  Some terminals get people on their way faster than others. 

Sharon Hennessy