Jerome Seymour Bruner was an American psychologist well-known for his contributions to psychology and cognitive learning theory. One of his most notable works is Bruner’s Learning Theory, first introduced in 1966.

According to Bruner, children construct knowledge and understanding through active experiences with the world around them. Curious to know more about Bruner’s theory? Let’s dive in!

What Is Bruner’s Learning Theory and Why Is It Important?

Bruner’s learning theory emphasizes that individuals can build their own understanding through active thinking, pattern recognition, and interpretation based on personal experiences.

He believed that learning becomes more effective when students discover principles or rules on their own. Learning, therefore, is not just about receiving information, but about active interaction between learners and their environment.

Research conducted by students at Tadulako University found that applying Bruner’s theory improved learning outcomes in symmetry lessons. It also increased motivation and student engagement.

Spiral Curriculum

The spiral curriculum emphasizes the continuous repetition of fundamental concepts. However, with each repetition, the complexity and depth of the content increase.

This repetition provides students with experiences that help them gradually master more complex materials over time.

Discovery Learning Theory

Discovery learning, another key part of Bruner’s theory, has become increasingly popular in modern education. Developed by Jerome S. Bruner himself, this approach emphasizes self-discovery by students.

Bruner argued that students should not receive information in its final form; instead, they should search for and discover it on their own. Through discovery learning, students become actively involved in performing tasks, identifying patterns, and solving problems.

This approach allows students to gain experience and experiment as part of their knowledge-building process. The teacher’s role is to act as a facilitator, not merely as an information provider.

Scaffolding Theory

The main concept of scaffolding is to provide temporary cognitive support to help students reach certain learning goals. Teachers adjust the level of assistance according to each student’s potential.

Students who struggle receive more guidance, and as they progress, the teacher gradually reduces the support until the students can work independently.

Stages of Bruner’s Learning Theory

Bruner believed that children can understand complex material if it is delivered through appropriate methods. His theory outlines three stages of learning that students must go through to fully grasp new material:

1. Enactive Stage

In the enactive stage, learners gain understanding through physical actions and direct experiences with objects around them. They use their senses to manipulate or explore items in their environment.

2. Iconic Stage

In the iconic stage, learners begin to represent information through images and visual forms. They learn by using comparisons and analogies to connect concepts.

3. Symbolic Stage

Finally, in the symbolic stage, learners use symbols, words, and language to understand and communicate new information. This stage helps develop abstract and logical thinking skills.

Examples of Bruner’s Learning Theory in Practice

In Indonesia, Bruner’s learning theory has gained attention for providing direct learning experiences that enhance student comprehension. For example, in a mathematics class, teachers may apply it as follows:

1. The teacher shows a picture of a pizza made of cardboard or paper divided into six equal parts.
2. The teacher explains that each slice represents 1/6 of the whole.
3. The teacher then simulates a situation where a student eats two slices — meaning 4/6 of the pizza remains.

Through this hands-on and visual approach, students can better understand fractions.

Have You Understood Bruner’s Learning Theory?

Bruner’s learning theory emphasizes the importance of active learning experiences in building new knowledge and understanding. With these experiences, students can more easily grasp complex materials and improve academic achievement.

Sampoerna Academy, an international-standard school in Indonesia, applies active learning systems that foster deep understanding. Through the STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) method, students create creative and innovative projects as outcomes of their learning.

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