Bruner\'s Three Modes of Cognitive Representation Jerome

Bruner's Three Modes Of Cognitive Representation

Jerome Bruner's Educational Theory firm believer of cognitive development of the thinking process, Jerome Bruner have revolutionarized the theory of cognitive development through his various theories. One such theory is Three Modes of Cognitive Representation. According to him a well-developed mind would create from experience generic code of systems that allow the individual to utilize educations to make learning more autonomous then directed by curriculum. Learning is the process of how human process information and take in narrative [stories] to understand the complexities of life as culture views them.

According to his Modes of Cognitive Representation [see appendix] in a teaching environment, one could use enactive, iconic, or symbolic tools to teach and integrate cultural values into learning models. To demonstrate this the researcher will incorporate a 3rd grade curriculum and explain how ordinary learning tools could utilize real life examples using these three modes.

Third Grade Curriculum Integrating Modes of Cognitive Representation:

typical Mathematics curriculum for third graders consist of the following:

Addition and subtraction, facts regarding families, usage of three digits, regrouping using tens notation, problem solving, time and money, usage of money in denomination, odd and even numbers, place value within 1000, pictograph, measurements - length and weight, fractions, rounding figures, introduction of estimates and shapes.

In using the above curriculum one could divide it into three segments / application:

Enactive: In this model, the teacher has a leeway in introducing any kind of learning tool he/she wants. For instance she could introduce shapes like square, circles, rectangle etc. And figures like cubes, sphere cones etc., fractions or money like $1.0 or cents to the child without fearing that he would not accept. According to Bruner enactive mode allow the teacher to use manipulative and tactical instructional strategies with young children. Teachers are allowed to teach concepts which they do not have any prior experience. Their minds are nubile and hence will absorb all that which is projected to them.

Symbolic: In this mode, teachers could use notations or symbols to encourage learning skills. Starting off with familiar symbols like round figures like ball, square table, rectangular board etc. Or that coins are round and notes are rectangular in money. This could gradually be developed to include objects that are stranger to the children like road signals have three colors, their faces are round or cars are square and they have round eyes. These notations encourage the mind to find the object within the object that they are not familiar with.

Iconic: This mode should be taught in addition to the above two using imagery to show to the children what the teacher means when they say money or length, or what does a circle look like etc. Imagery help the child to understand without having to tax their memory at the beginning of the session. Gradually the elimination of the iconic mode would help them to develop cognitive memory.