Noting that metaphor has become a multidisciplinary concern, this monograph examines the concept of metaphor in an educational perspective and describes and analyzes how certain specific metaphors are used in education. To define the concept, the monograph studies different theories of metaphor and previous definitions. To study how metaphor is used in education, the monograph discusses certain metaphors which are frequently encountered--among them, root metaphors such as education as guidance, education as growth, and education as liberation. The monograph emphasizes the use of metaphor in Finland and Sweden, where educational researchers have shown very little interest in metaphor. The monograph also outlines ideas for further studies. A figure illustrating the relationship between metaphor, analogy, and simile is included. (Contains 159 references.) (Author/RS)