Learning and Action

Gee talks about cultural models as images, stories, principles, and metaphors that capture what a specific group identifies as normal. A cultural model is the reality of a group of people. When thinking about cultural models it is important to note that each person's learning experience would create their own cultural model. Students in the same classroom would share the lesson experience, but would interpret and digest the information in their model. I think that Gee is using this idea to point out how close learning and action coincide. What a person learns and how they use that information in their model determines their future actions. A student may decide to hold onto their views and norms, or they may grow into a new cultural model.

I actually think the school system is designed to accommodate these models to a certain extent. Thinking about college there are many "norms" that come from being on your own, entering large lecture classes, finding your identity, teacher expectations, and so on. I see cultural models as a positive, for if students can find their own model and understand how they view and interpret the world they will become well-rounded and more educated about themselves and others.