1. Mimesis (Aristotle) – Learning Through Imitation and Modeling
In a curriculum that uses mimesis, students begin learning by observing models, such as demonstrations by the teacher, examples of high-quality work, or real-world performances. Students practice by imitating these models, gradually internalizing skills or behaviors.

Example: In a writing class begins with students analyzing an example of an argumentative essay. The teacher highlights its structure, tone, and techniques. Students then imitate the model by crafting their own introduction using similar strategies.

Analysis:
Mimesis establishes a foundation of understanding by giving learners a concrete reference. However, it is only the starting point it provides structure but limits creativity if used alone.

2. Synthesis (Bruner) – Learning Through Discovery and Conceptual Organization
Synthesis involves helping students construct meaning, organize knowledge, and discover relationships between ideas. Bruner emphasizes a spiral curriculum, where concepts repeat at deeper levels, allowing learners to connect new knowledge with old knowledge.

Example: After imitating model texts, students engage in inquiry tasks:

comparing argumentative essays to persuasive essays or 

discovering common rhetorical patterns

creating their own outline based on principles they identified

Analysis:
Synthesis shifts learning from copying to active thinking, enabling students to generalize concepts and transfer knowledge to new contexts. 

3. Reflexivity (Vygotsky / ZPD) – Learning Through Collaboration, Feedback, and Self-Awareness
Reflexivity emphasizes learning as a social and iterative process, supported by interaction within the Zone of Proximal Development (ZPD). Students receive scaffolding from teachers or peers, reflect on their performance, and revise their work accordingly.

Example: Students share their drafts in small groups, exchange feedback, ask questions, and revise their texts. The teacher guides them with targeted prompts, ensuring the challenge is slightly beyond what they can do alone.

Analysis:
Reflexivity develops metacognition, agency, and deeper understanding. It transforms the classroom from a place of transmission to a community of practice.