Concrete, Representation (Pictorial), Abstract (CRA)
See also: teaching-mathematics, enactive-mathematics-pedagogy
Three-part instructional framework based on Bruner's theory of representation.
| CRA | Bruner | Classroom |
|---|---|---|
| Concrete | Enactive representation (action-based) | Use tangible objects to solve a math problem |
| Representation | Iconic representation (image-based) | Using images etc to solve a math problem |
| Abstract | Symbolic representation (language-based) | Using only numbers & symbols |
Modelling the concept and providing opportunities to practice is seen as key.
Implementation suggestions include
- 1 lesson for each CRA phase with a final lesson bringing it together
- Four stations around a room with rotation - which seems to break the Bruner sequence, but the point is that it doesn't need to be sequential.
- All in one lesson
Role of the teacher is to make the connections between mathematical concept and the different representations explicit.