Open AccessUsing Brunerian Learning Theory with Educational Simulations to Teach Concepts
Author(s) -
Laura R. Winer,
R. Schmid
Publication year - 2017
Publication title -
canadian journal of learning and technology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
eISSN - 1499-6685
pISSN - 1499-6677
DOI - 10.21432/t2tq2f
Subject(s) - aptitude , mathematics education , cognition , spatial ability , process (computing) , psychology , task (project management) , visualization , instructional design , computer science , artificial intelligence , developmental psychology , management , economics , neuroscience , operating system
The present study maintains that consistently effective leaming materialscan best be generated if the prescriptions instructional designers use are founded on learning theory. It is also considered critical that cognitive processes central to the task demands and strategies employed to address them be established. To be practical, we further recommend that only a single, process-oriented lesson, rather than individualized treatment, be implemented. Instructional simulations met these criteria, being tightly bound to Bruner's theoretical approach, and inherently capable of addressing aptitude deficiencies. Subjects were assessed for spatial visualization ability, grouped, randomly assigned to simulation or non-simulation treatments, and tested immediately, one week, and five weeks after instruction. The simulation significantly increased the high-aptitude learners' efficiency (and initially effectiveness), and low-aptitude learners' effectiveness. The validity of a theory-based, aptitude-enhancing, standardized approach was supported, andis discussed.