Pedagogy and Professional Responsibilities (PPR) TExES Practice Exam 2026 - Free TExES Practice Questions and Study Guide

The choice of Bruner is particularly relevant in this context because Jerome Bruner emphasized the significance of personal experiences and interests in the learning process. He advocated for a constructivist approach to education, which posits that learners construct their own understanding and knowledge of the world through experiences and reflecting on those experiences. This approach aligns well with the idea of considering personal learning interests to motivate students, especially those with varying abilities in reading.

Bruner also introduced the concept of scaffolding, where educators support students by building on their existing knowledge and interests, making learning more relevant and engaging. This strategy is particularly effective in a diverse classroom where students may have different reading abilities and interests. By recognizing and incorporating personal interests, a teacher can foster motivation and enhance students’ engagement with reading material.

In contrast, the other theorists listed focus on different aspects of learning. Piaget is known for his theories on cognitive development stages, Skinner is associated with behaviorism and reinforcement, and Bandura emphasizes social learning and observation. While their theories contribute valuable insights to understanding learning, they may not directly address the importance of leveraging personal interests for motivation in the same way Bruner's theories do.