Applications:Jerome Bruner's Constructivist Theory

    
     Actually, there are still more topics under Jerome Bruner's theory. However I only discussed about the 2 major and the most practical ideas of this theory. This is because I also would like to tackle other topics since I have said that LET is just around the corner. And my assurance to you is that the 2 topics that I have discussed usually if not always come out in the exam. Anyway, I already posted one of the bests if not the best link about this topic so don't fret.hehehe...The following are the implications and applications of Bruner's topics. Take note that you can also add if you have your own. Just write these in the comment box.

For teachers:
1. Make your instruction appropriate to the level of the learners. For example, being aware of the learners' learning modes (enactive, iconic, symbolic) will help you plan and prepare appropriate materials for instruction. Or you can revisit certain topics but with the difficulty that match learners' level(spiral curriculum).

2. Use active methods in teaching. Teacher's role is not anymore a "sage on stage" rather a "guide on the side". Have the students be actively involved with the lesson. Initiate activities that will arouse their curiosity and interests by giving them challenging activities and exercises.

3. Give students the opportunity to reflect and recount their experiences. Have discussions, group sharing and dialogues.

4. Go beyond facts. Facts must be taken into whole to form concepts. Categorization will greatly help.(Sorry I wasn't able to discuss categorization. Just refer to the link in my previous post.)

5. Give feedback and reinforcement but more intrinsically oriented. According to Bruner, the interest in the subject matter is the best motivation to learn. Avoid giving too much emphasis on competition and grades.

image source: http://www.jacquetta.net/Bruner.jpg

My First Post Via Opera Mini

When I post something in this blog, I actually use my cellphone. Of course, most of us are aware that surfing the web in a mobile phone costs a considerable amount of load. However, our wise and clever fellowmen found out that we can actually surf the net via cellphone even with only a peso load or sometimes, even with zero balance. This is my first post via Opera Mini browser. Before, I'm using the built in browser but with Opera Mini, I can actually post faster than before. So this gives me more reason to update this blog.Hehehe... So watch out for more posts coming...

Jerome Bruner's Constructivist Theory: Spiral Curriculum

     As a continuation of my previous post last time, I will discuss on Jerome Bruner's concept that is really dominant in schools but unknown to many---Spiral Curriculum. Have you ever noticed the books of elementary pupils from grades 1-6? Have you observed that the topics are just being repeated right? Although there are some new topics, there are topics that are being repeated all over again. This is also true not only in elementary, but also in high school and up to college.

     Constructivist's view of learning tells us that learners must be given opportunities to recount and reflect on their experiences in order to have foundations for their future and new learning. Furthermore, teachers must also base what they teach on the level appropriate for the learners. Adding these two important ideas, we can now give meaning to what spiral curriculum really is.

     Forgive me but I will just quote Corpus and Lucas's definition. According to them, spiral curriculum is revisiting the curriculum by teaching the same content in different ways depending on students' developmental levels. Now, I hope this answers why topics are repeated all over again, but with a level, complexity and difficulty appropriate to the learners. Through these repeating, recounting or revisiting of topics, learners will have a clearer and progressive understanding thus enhances learning.

Been busy this first week of June

Hay...my first post this month. I wasn't able to post in the past weeks because I was busy with a lot of things. First, I was busy with enrollment for my Masters. Next, busy preparing my materials for my lecture/review. You know, one of the review centers in Mindanao took me as a lecturer/reviewer for LET takers this September. Lastly, busy finding proxies so that I could still continue updating this blog in my cellphone with just a peso load. Hehehe...Just watch out because in the coming days I will be continuing the previous topics and be posting more education-related topics since LET is just three months away...Thanks for considering my absence...hehehe...(as if there are really lots of people reading this blog)LOL...