Burner’s theory of Cognitive development

 

Burner’s theory of Cognitive development

Jerome Seymour Bruner is an American psychologist who has contributed to cognitive psychology and cognitive learning theory in educational psychology, as well as to history and to the general philosophy of education. Bruner theorized that learners go through three major stages of intellectual development. These are:

1. Enactive representation (action-based)

2. Iconic representation (image-based)

3. Symbolic representation (language-based)

1. Enactive representation (action-based)

Ø       It is initial stage of cognitive development.

Ø      Physical action based information and storing it in our memory.

For example, in the form of movement as a muscle memory, a baby might remember the action of shaking a rattle.

Ø     This mode continues later in many physical activities, such as learning to ride a bike.

2. Iconic representation (image-based)

Ø         In this stage the child is guided by mental imagery.

        This is the representative stage of reality.

Ø        The child is able to think about different images. 

        They can also imagine a triangular, circular or   rectangular plot through the figure drawn by the teacher on the blackboard or demonstrated through a chart.

Ø  Thinking is also based on the use of other mental images (icons), such as hearing, smell or touch

Ø  It relates much to Piaget’s Preoperational Stage

3. Symbolic representation (language-based)

Ø  Child expresses himself in the form of words .Language plays an important role

Ø  This develops last. This is where information is stored in the form of a code or symbol, such as language.

Ø  In the symbolic stage, knowledge is stored primarily as words, mathematical symbols, or in other symbol systems, such as music.

Ø  Symbols are flexible in that they can be manipulated, ordered, classified, etc. so the user isn't constrained by actions or images.

Importance of Bruner development of Language

Ø  Language is important for the increased ability to deal with abstract concepts.

Ø  Bruner argues that language can make easy for an individual when dealing with different problem, different situation etc.

Ø  The use of words can aid the development of the concepts they represent and can remove the constraints .example the distinction between the "here & now" concept. The child can learn the concept by covering its stage of development .Bruner views the infant as an intelligent & active problem solver from birth, with intellectual abilities basically similar to those of the mature adult.

Educational Implications

The aim of education should be to create autonomous learners (i.e., learning to learn). For Bruner (1961), the develop symbolic thinking in children. In 1960 Bruner's text. The Process of Education was published. The main premise of Bruner's text was that students are active learners where they construct their own knowledge.

    Arouse curiosity-Children are curious by nature. Instinct of curiosity forces children to discover something new environment. Hence children curiosity should be aroused to make them independent interpreters.

Discourage mechanical Repetition –The teacher should discourage practice of mechanical repetition and blind reproduction of what teacher presents .children should encouraged adopting discovery approach. They should apply reasoning before accepting anything.