Cebu Normal University

Osmea Blvd., Cebu City

Constructivist Theory JEROME S. BRUNER

Submitted by: RHODORA S. CANOY DPE

Submitted to: MS. MARILI CARDILLO Professor

A. Objectives After the report, the DPE students will be able to: identify what strategy of Constructivist Theory they usually use in learning a new concept; share their experiences in learning a new concept; and perform the given activity related to Constructivist Theory B. Motivation Menu Making The students will be divided into four groups. They will be asked to make a menu of a soon-toopen restaurant of Jennifer Lopez by sorting the names of foods according to its category (i.e. dessert, appetizer, main course). They will be given 3 minutes to finish the task. C. Presentation Proper Constructivism is a broad conceptual framework with numerous perspectives, and Bruner's is only one. Bruner's theoretical framework is based on the theme that learners construct new ideas or concepts based upon existing knowledge. Learning is an active process. Bruner's theories emphasize the significance of categorization in learning. Factors of the Process of Learning 1. 2. 3. 4. selection and transformation of information, decision making, generating hypotheses, and making meaning from information and experiences.

"To perceive is to categorize, to conceptualize is to categorize, to learn is to form categories, to make decisions is to categorize." Four Key themes emerged in Bruner's early work: 1. Bruner emphasized the role of structure in learning and how it may be made central in teaching. Structure refers to relationships among factual elements and techniques. 2. He introduced the ideas of "readiness for learning" and spiral curriculum. 3. intuitive and analytical thinking should both be encouraged and rewarded 4. interest in the subject matter is the best stimulus for learning

Four features of Bruner's theory of instruction: 1. Predisposition to learn

2. Structure of knowledge 3. Modes of representation: visual, words, symbols. 4. Modes of representation: visual, words, symbols. Categorization: Categories are "rules" that specify four thing about objects. 1. Criteria attribute - required characteristics for inclusion of an object in a category. 2. The second rule prescribes how the criteria attributes are combined. 3. The third rule assignees weight to various properties. 4. The fourth rule sets acceptance limits on attributes. Other Kinds of Category 1. Identity categories - categories include objects based on their attributes or features. 2. Equivalent categories- provide rules for combining categories. Equivalence can be determined by affective criteria, which render objects equivalent by emotional reactions 3. Coding systems are categories serve to recognize sensory input Four characteristics of effective instruction 1. Personalized: instruction should relate to learners' predisposition, and facilitate interest toward learning, 2. Content Structure: content should be structured so it can be most easily grasped by the learner 3. Sequencing: sequencing is an important aspect for presentation of material

4. Reinforcement: rewards and punishment should be selected and paced appropriately. 3 Stages of Intellectual Development Enactive (1st stage) "Enactive - when a person learns about the world through actions on physical objects and the outcomes of these actions. Iconic (2nd stage) "Iconic - where learning can be obtained through using models and pictures. Symbolic (3rd stage) "Symbolic" - in which the learner develops the capacity to think in abstract terms.

D. Implication to Teaching and Learning Process In teaching, educators must consider the capacity of the learner. That is, if the learner is already ready to learn and by how much can he/she learn. Sequencing of lessons is also a crucial part. Teachers must introduce the lesson piece by piece until the student will be able to grasp the whole idea.

E. References: http://www.infed.org/thinkers/bruner.htm http://www.lifecircles-inc.com/Learningtheories/glossary.html http://www.lifecircles-inc.com/Learningtheories/constructivism/bruner.html