Feuerstein: Triumph of Mind over Matter
People learn in multiple ways. The Feuerstein method moves beyond barriers of age, material complexity, physiological condition and environment to effect undreamed-of changes in learning.
Reuven Feuerstein
(August 21, 1921 – April 29, 2014)
Reuven Feurerstein was an Israeli clinical, developmental, and cognitive psychologist, known for his theory of intelligence which states “it is not ‘fixed’, but rather modifiable”. Feuerstein is recognized for his work in developing the theories and applied systems of: structural cognitive modifiability, mediated learning experience, cognitive map, deficient cognitive functions, learning propensity assessment device, instrumental enrichment programs, and shaping modifying environments. These interlocked practices provide educators with the skills and tools to systematically develop students’ cognitive functions and operations to build metacognition.
Feuerstein was the founder and director of the International Center for the Enhancement of Learning Potential (ICELP) in Jerusalem, Israel. For more than 50 years, Feuerstein’s theories and applied systems have been implemented in both clinical and classroom settings internationally, with more than 80 countries applying his work. Feuerstein’s theory on the malleability of intelligence has led to more than 2,000 scientific research studies and countless case studies with various learning populations.
Cognitive Enrichment
The Cognitive Enrichment program goal is to correct deficiencies in foundational thinking skills. Students are equipped with the concepts, skills, strategies, operations and techniques necessary to function as independent learners. It aims to increase their motivation and meta-cognition. Deliberately free of specific subject matter, the tasks in the instruments are intended to be transferable (bridged) to all educational and everyday life situations.
A house built on a faulty foundation will crumble and fall. Likewise, a child with poor cognitive strategies, will eventually crumble and fall. Our schools teach a student to memorize and regurgitate the answers. However, the student doesn’t have a grasp on how to come to the correct answer. The Cognitive Enrichment program will build good cognitive strategies and encourage the student to use them in all situations. In order to get to the top of the educational or social ladder, one must have a good foundation.
For example, an impulsive student will jump to conclusions or guess answers just to be done. With our program, the student will have to correct those answers through logic and will learn that impulsivity leads to mistakes. After just 1 or 2 sessions, the student will automatically curb their impulsivity and slow down to think it all the way through.
With the Feuerstein method, students will be able to bridge the gaps that plague them!
FIE does not teach a student “what” to think but “how” to think.
Feuerstein Instrumental Enrichment is a program designed to enhance modifiability and correct cognitive deficiencies. It is based on the concept of neuroplasticity:
- Intelligence is not fixed.
- Intelligence is not a trait.
- Modifiability is the ability to change.
- Intelligence is adaptability. Adaptability is modifiability.
- Modifiability is a fundamental need to learn.
- Everyone is modifiable.
Through this worksheet based program students learn to be precise and organized in how they complete tasks. We discuss the cognitive skills needed to complete the pages and create a principle that can be used in everyday situations.
Grow Your Brain 