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Jerome Bruner: Constructivist Spiral Curriculum

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Jerome Bruner: Constructivist Spiral Curriculum

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Knowledge is received and constructed through three modes of representation that build on each other.  Enactive is based on physical actions, iconic is based on sensory input, and symbolic is knowledge stored as a code or symbol.  He also believed that complex ideas can be taught in a spiral curriculum, simple at first and gradually more complex each time they are revisited.

Application to learning is that connections between concepts can be made, building on foundational skills already taught.  For example, multiplication can be seen as repeated addition and fractions can be taught using pattern blocks and shapes.  Furthermore, the three modes of knowledge can be used for complex topics as well.  For example, I have an enrichment activity, Yoga Alphabet, and we use our bodies to build different letters (A).  I also have them write the letter in sand, both hearing the sound and feeling the way the letter is shaped as it is drawn.  Finally, the student should be able to recognize “A” or “a” as a symbol for a specific letter.

Using this theory to integrate technology, I can build upon the idea of the three modes of knowledge by having the students create 3D models of letters using a 3D pen and a stencil.

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Lev Vygotsky: Sociocultural Theory of Cognitive Development

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Lev Vygotsky: Sociocultural Theory of Cognitive Development

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Development occurs in a social context in which an individual learns cultural values, beliefs, and problem-solving skills through social interaction with a more knowledgeable other.  Another key feature is the Zone of Proximal Development which is the difference between what an individual can achieve independently and what can be achieved with guidance from a more skilled individual.   Vygotsky also theorized that language development has three forms: social speech, private speech, and inner speech.

In learning, this can be seen in the form of collaborative groups, such as jigsaw.  Scaffolding is a term used widely in educational practice and is explained as the process by which an individual receives the greatest amount of support initially and then it is faded as he or she becomes more proficient in the task.

With technology integration, this can be incorporated through the use of learning games, such as Prodigy.  In this case, the more knowledgeable other is the game and the difficulty level of the problems are increased or decreased depending on the answers a child gives.  For example, if the question is 4+2 =?, the child might receive help in the form of digital base-ten blocks if the answer is incorrect.

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Development of an individual is shaped by the interactions of the systems of which he or she is a part.  Bronfenbrenner identified five distinct layers, or systems.  The smallest is the microsystem (the individual), with the largest being the chronosystem (passage of time and occurrence of historical events).

When applying Bronfenbrenner’s theory to learning, the rapport between the learner and the family to the teacher and school can play a part in the learner’s success.  A negative attitude can greatly diminish the learner’s motivation to do well.  Good and strong communication can help grow the connection between these systems.  Learners can also explore their own systems and understand how their thoughts and actions can shape and influence the thoughts and actions of those around them.  For example, in Zones of Regulation, a social skills curriculum, one of the lessons is good thoughts vs. uncomfortable thoughts and how your own behaviors can change the thoughts another person has about you.

Using this theory, a way to integrate technology would be through creating lessons for students that follow ISTE standards 1.2 (Digital Citizenship) and 1.7 (Global Collaborator).  One lesson on digital citizenship could explore how posts on social media can be so quickly spread.  I have seen posts where teachers create a post asking that it be shared so that their students can see just how far and fast a post can be seen by others.   With global collaborator, students can solve a community problem through games such as freerice.

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Guy-Evans, O. (2020, Nov 09). Bronfenbrenner's ecological systems theory.           Simply Psychology. www.simplypsychology.org/Bronfenbrenner.html

McLeod, S. A. (2018, August 05). Lev Vygotsky. Simply Psychology. www.simplypsychology.org/vygotsky.html

McLeod, S. A. (2019, July 11). Bruner - learning theory in education. Simply Psychology. www.simplypsychology.org/bruner.html

Slavin, R.E. (2018).  Educational Psychology: Theory and Practice. Pearson Education, Inc.

Stapleton, L., & Stefaniak, J.  (2019).  Cognitive Constructivism: Revisiting Jerome Bruner’s Influence on Instructional Design Practices. TechTrends, 63, 4-5.  https://doi.org/10.1007/s11528-018-0356-8