Article:The Process of Education: Preface
From unthinkMedia
In this preface Bruner talks about how Piaget, Chomsky and Levi-Strauss influence much of his thinking. His thoughts about education where always taking new form, mostly after this book. Much of his ideas have been misinterpret such as a quote, "any subject could be taught to a child at any age in some form that is honest". People argued that you can't teach calculous to a 6 year old. They could however learn some small aspect of calculous, which is honest.
Bruner goes on to speak about various other countries around the world that argued against his work. Marxist attacked the book as a form of epistemological idealism. It became apparent that the debate was not about education alone, but also politics.
Bruner continues to talk about some major events such as the civil rights movement, Vietnam, that ruled through the 60s, and was overshadowing the issues of curriculum. The young felt as they had to take this on by themselves. This created an alienation of schools and society.
He talks about the importance of scaffolding a child's learning experience
"A curriculum is more for teachers then it is for pupils" To have a good curriculum is one that is "teacher proof".
Interesting Quotes
- one should "talk physics" with students rather then talk "about physics"
- "any subject could be taught to a child at any age in some form that is honest"
- One can not change education w/o affecting much else in the society as well.
- "A curriculum is more for teachers then it is for pupils"
Reference
Bruner, J
