Page 56 - Class Portfolio2019

UNIT I
PSYCHOLOGICAL FOUNDATIONS OF EDUCATION

MODULE 10
Cognitive Theories of Learning:
JEROME BRUNER’S THEORY OF LEARNING

Objective:

Learn Bruner’s concept in education:

 Discover the uniqueness of his theory and its importance in the classroom by studying
the categorization and the theory of instruction

Jerome Bruner is a cognitive psychologist, created a theory of development based upon the
idea that the goal of education should be intellectual development. He felt that the teacher should
encourage discovery learning by allowing the student construct knowledge for him or herself.

Bruner’s Main Concepts

1. Representation

a. Enactive representation- at the earliest ages, children learn about the world through
actions on physical objects and the outcome of these objects.
b. Iconic representation- learning can be obtained through using models and
pictures.
c. Symbolic representation – the learner has developed the ability to think in abstract
terms.

2. Spiral Curriculum

 Teaching should always lead to boosting cognitive development
 Student will not understand the concept if the teacher plans to teach it using
only the teacher’s level of understanding.
 Instruction needs to be anchored on the learner’s cognitive capabilities.
 In here, teacher must revisit the curriculum by teaching the same content in
different ways depending on students’ developmental levels.

3. Discovery Learning

 It refers to obtaining knowledge for oneself.
 Learning becomes more meaningful when students explore their learning
environment rather than listen passively to the teacher.

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