Jerome Bruner

Jerome Bruner

Believes children encounter a series of developmental stages as they mature.

Bruner 3 models of representation

1. Enactive representation (action based)

2. Iconic representation (image based)

3. Symbolic representation (language based)

Enactive

Learning by doing. Involves action based information and storing it in our memory (0-1 years)

Iconic

Learning can be obtained through models and pictures (1-6 years)

Symbolic

Where information is stored in the form of a code or symbol, such as language (7 years and older)

Bruner's Theory of Instruction

1. Predisposition to learn

2. Structure of knowledge

3. Modes of representation

4. Effective sequencing

Predisposition to Learning

Teachers and parent play active role in influencing desire to learn and maintaining student's sense of spontaneous exploration

Structure of Knowledge

A relative feature, as there are many ways to structure a body of knowledge and many preferences among teachers and learners

Three modes of Representation

1. Visual

2. Words

3. Symbols

Categorization

Perception, conceptualization, learning, decision making, and making inferences

Language

Important for the increased ability to deal with abstract concepts

Spiraling Curriculum

Taught at a simplified level first, then re-visited at a more complex level later on

Role of a teacher

To facilitate the learning process

Schema

Concepts arranged into a network or a framework are refereed to as a Schema

scaffolding

This is where a child builds on knowledge they are already storing

discovery learning

The concept implies that students construct their own knowledge for themselves (also known as a constructionist approach).

how the theory is used in practice

A teaching approach using scaffolding (guidance to support learning), discovery learning (exploring through problem-solving), and the spiral curriculum (revisiting ideas in more depth over time). It focuses on teamwork, exploration, hands-on learning, and adjusting lessons to fit students' needs while supporting critical thinking and understanding through different learning methods.