Jerome Bruner. Three Modes of Learning.

Jerome Bruner proposed three modes of representation:

* Enactive representation (action-based)
* Iconic representation (image-based)
* Symbolic representation (language-based) 

(taken from http://www.simplypsychology.org/)

This was the key learning for me tonight. Although it was funny how each time Dr. Yeap brought out a question, he would say, "How do we solve this problem? What can we do? Ask Jerome Bruner!" Indeed it is through meaningful concrete learning through actions that will first help to build the knowledge of the children we work with. 

Some of the children I work with do not have sufficient exposure to concrete learning and experiences such that they may fall behind in some areas. Drawing an analogy to what Dr. Yeap shared about the skills required for learning, some of these children fall back on their physical muscular development and eye-hand coordination. These skills include using the scissors, tearing, bilateral hand movements, visual perception and a few others. There is a need for children to learn experientially. These skills are crucial and fundamental. We should encourage more outdoor play and daily adaptive skills in these young lives so that they are provided with opportunities for a good start. I made a mental note to teach starting from choosing the appropriate concrete activities. 

The other takeaway I have tonight is the teaching of fractions. Even though I do not need to teach fractions in the syllabus, it can still be applicable and appropriate for children to pick up some prior knowledge. An equation I learnt tonight can be put simply into this:

It is good for preschool teachers to know the primary school syllabus. But it does not mean for us to teach the syllabus. It simply means preschool teachers should teach to PREPARE children for the syllabus. 

So we do not just need to know our kindergarten syllabus, but also the primary school syllabus as well. It takes more proactive learning and doing on our part if we want the best for our students. this:

It is good for preschool teachers to know the primary school syllabus. But it does not mean for us to teach the syllabus. It simply means preschool teachers should teach to PREPARE children for the syllabus. 

So we do not just need to know our kindergarten syllabus, but also the primary school syllabus as well. It takes more proactive learning and doing on our part if we want the best for our students. 

It is little wonder why the preschool curriculum talks so much about learning through PLAY. 

Because with kids, 
WORK IS PLAY & PLAY IS WORK! :)