What is the Three Modes of Representation theory?
This theory focuses on how information is processed and stored within an individual’s mind. It described the stages or modes of learning as Brunner identified them. Within Brunner’s theory of learning, representation refers to portraying and providing information or knowledge, skills, and behaviours in a particular way.
As mentioned, Brunner divides representation into three parts, each focusing on how information or knowledge skills and behaviours are provided, recalled, shaped, and stored within the mind. These three modes of representation are Enactive representation (action-based), Iconic representation (image-based) and Symbolic representation (language-based).
Brunner, despite providing an expected age range for the different modes of representation to appear within the normative development of a child, was under the belief that the modes are only partly sequential. This means that they do not always follow this given pattern and that an individual may routinely process information through these stages regardless of age. Brunner thought that learning was more effective and of a higher quality if the individual processed new knowledge, skills, and behaviours through each of the stages throughout their life.
Enactive Representation
The first mode of representation is Enactive representation or, more simply, action or physical-based learning. This is the first kind of memory that an individual can recall and retain within their mind. As such, it occurs in children from birth to 1 year old. Within this mode, an individual’s thinking is based solely on physical actions, and learning is achieved by ‘doing’ rather than cognitive processing of external information.
Iconic Representation
The second mode of representation is that of Iconic representation. This mode focuses on information being stored as sensory images (icons), or more simply put, the encoding of visual images in the ‘minds-eye.’ However, despite visuals being the main factor for information processing and the learning of new knowledge, skills, and behaviours within this mode, the other senses do also play a part in an individual’s ably to encode new information within this mode, such as hearing, touch, smell and taste.
All the senses within this mode combine to provide the information with a workable mental image and understanding of the knowledge, skill, and behaviour they are processing to support retaining or learning it. This mode of representation builds upon the enactive stage and first arises in children aged 2 to 6 years old.
Symbolic Representation
The tired mode of representation is that of Symbolic representation. This mode focuses on the processing and storing of linguistic information. It is the mode where knowledge, skills and behaviours and processed through symbols, patterns, and written language. According to Brunner, the mode develops last within an individual and will first appear within a child around the age of 6 to 7 years old.
One aspect of this mode that is different to that of the other two is that Symbolic learning is a more malleable form of knowledge, meaning that the knowledge, skills and behaviours an individual develops can be manipulated, ordered, and classified repeatedly compared to their counterparts which represent a fixed understanding of what has been presented are processed. One of the reasons for this is that the knowledge, skills, and understanding are stored in a symbol system such as music or mathematics or within the form of verbal and written language, which Brunner described as the ‘tools of thought’. Without this connection between language and information processing, Burner thought individuals would struggle to process information logically and problem-solve.
More about Constructivism can be found here on the NEN Explain: Constructivism.
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