Response 1

I believe that metaphor can be a powerful tool in defining our purpose and directing our efforts toward a more-appropriate philosophy. The reference to the industrial metaphor vs the agricultural metaphor for education was inspiring to me.
Is teaching and learning more about bringing everyone to the same, measurable standards or is it about maximizing every child's potential?

I believe the agricultural metaphor is more appropriate than the industrial model to describe education. A farmer must consider his local circumstance and nurture the growth of his efforts. Attempts to standardize farming and maximize production have often resulted in worn-out soil, pesticide-consequences, imbalances in ecosystems, and worse. Fewer consequences have been seen when agricultural efforts have been made in collaboration with the natural world.

The industrial metaphor wants everything to be standardized and measurable, regardless of circumstances, individual needs, and resources.