Abstract:

This research was carried out to examine Turkish and Spanish prospective preschool teachers’ perceptions on the metaphors related to the concept of preschool child and teacher and to determine the cultural differences within this framework. Metaphors stated by Spanish prospective preschool teachers on preschool child were gathered under six categories as learning child, formed child, child as a source of learning, child with potential, growing and developing child, child as a source of joy, however, their metaphorical perceptions on preschool teacher centred around following five categories; informant teacher, teacher learning together, caring and protecting teacher, guiding teacher and core teacher. Metaphors stated by Turkish prospective preschool teachers on preschool child comprised six categories as learning child, formed child, exploring and explored child, raised child, child to be protected, child as a source of joy, whereas their metaphorical perceptions on preschool teacher were composed of six categories as informant teacher, teacher learning together, caring and protecting teacher, forming teacher, gifted teacher and considerate teacher.

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