A Study Of Bruner's Learning Theories And Their Enlightenments In English Teaching And Learning

In recent year, more and more people have realized the importance of the application of learning theories on English teaching and learning. As a prominent American cognitive psychologist and educationalist, Jerome S. Bruner (1915-), who is one of the leading figures of constructivism, has constructed the cognitive structure learning theories and pedagogical thoughts.Bruner's learning theories are mainly composed of four key themes, namely, the theory of cognitive development of children, the theory of knowledge structure, the theory of learning motivations and the theory of discovery learning. Bruner's learning theories attach great importance to both the comprehension of knowledge and cultivation of students' competences, which are also the ultimate goal of English learning. Therefore, in this thesis, the author made a detailed analysis of Bruner's learning theories, and explored the learning strategies from the enlightenments of Bruner's learning theories on English teaching and learning. For instances, in line with the theory of cognitive development of children, teaching goal could be achieved by making use of the means of objects, icons, symbols and body languages. Since the knowledge structure plays an important role in the process of acquisition, transfer and evaluation of a subject as mentioned in the theory of knowledge structure, in actual language teaching and learning, simple and condensed knowledge structure could be used to enable language learners to better master the knowledge that are required to learn. According to the theory of learning motivations, as its basis is intrinsic motivations, extrinsic motivations and the relationship between them, emphasis should be put on the cultivation of language learners'emotion and learning attitude. The discovery learning theory points out that learners should learn from discovery, teachers should give full play to the initiative of language learners, and guide them to make conclusion through contemptation and practice rather than being crammed by teachers.Though Bruner's four learning theories are independent in form, they are closely related with each other, with the theory of the knowledge structure as a core, they aim to develop the learners'intelligence accompanying the cultivation of learners'emotion and learning attitude, using the main learning method of discovery learning. Therefore, Bruner's learning theories are an integrated system. There is great significance of Bruner's learning theories in guiding English teaching and learning.