Abstract

This study investigated the mental images (metaphors) that primary school teachers (n=105) and their students (n=1248) formulated to describe the concept of knowledge. Data was collected through the participants’ completion of the prompt “Knowledge is like . . . because . . .” by focusing on a simile. Both qualitative and quantitative procedures were utilized to analyze the data of the study. According to the results, overall participants produced 106 valid personal metaphors about knowledge. Based on these metaphorical images, 12 conceptual themes (categories) were identified. Significant differences were detected between teachers and their students with regard to the 12 conceptual themes. Also, significant associations were identified between the 12 conceptual categories and the students’ gender and class levels.

Key words: primary school teachers and students, mental images (metaphors) of knowledge, qualitative research