Theory of Structural Cognitive Modifiabiltiy

Theory of Structural Cognitive Modifiability
(Mediated Learning, Instrumental Enrichment, Learning Potential Assessment Device)
Developed by Dr. Reuven Feuerstein

Description of Instrumental Enrichment:
IE is a program that enhances the cognitive skills necessary for independent thinking. It builds on the idea that intelligence is dynamic and modifiable, not static or fixed. Thus, the program seeks to sharpen critical thinking with concepts, skills, strategies, operations, and techniques necessary for independent learning. It is a tool to diagnose and correct deficiencies in thinking skills and to help students to learn how to learn.
The principles and teaching methods of IE help to reorient the attitudes and techniques of educators, psychologists, social workers, and counselors toward the cognitive learning needs of their students. Learning tasks in IE involve cognitive operations at varying levels of complexity and novelty. The content of the exercises is specially designed to promote independent thinking in the learner.
Instrumental Enrichment recognizes the propensity of all humans to acquire the important tools of thinking and learning. Thus the IE program can be used with individuals who operate at lower levels of cognitive ability. The progressive difficulty of IE tasks makes this program appropriate for a wide range of populations.
Tasks and Instruments: Mastery of the tasks in IE is never a matter of rote learning or mere reproduction of a learned skill. It always involves the application of rules, principles, or strategies underlying a variety of tasks. Thus, IE systematically reinforces the cognitive functions that enable learners to define problems, make connections and see relationships, motivate themselves, improve their work habits, and restrain their impulsivity.
Applications:
The program has been used in sixteen languages and 70 countries including the United States and Canada with learning disabled, behavior disordered, gifted underachieving, at risk, bilingual, as well as regular education students
Results of Use:
More than one thousand studies conducted around the world with young students and adults affirm the early success of Instrumental Enrichment. Most recently, in a study conducted in Taunton, Massachusetts, middle schools showed significant gains on standardized tests in reading, math, social studies, and science. In addition to student achievement, there were significant changes in teachers related to greater motivation and enhanced thinking skills. Effects have been well documented that students continue to exhibit achievement gains after the program has ended, unlike many other intervention programs. After IE training, students' potential continues to grow because, according to Feuerstein, there have been changes in their basic cognitive structures that are prerequisites to learning and thinking.
For further information please contact Mary Jane Bloethner at mjb@iriinc.us or Meir Ben Hur at meirbh@aol.com. Website URL is www.iriinc.us.

Recommended Materials and Resources:

Making of the Individual: Learning How to Learn A 30 minute videotape of an interview with Dr. Reuven Feuerstein.

Feuerstein, Reuven. Making Students Smarter: From Theory to Practice Two 60-minute audiotapes by Dr. Feuerstein, discussing his theories of structural cognitive modifiability and mediated learning.

Ben-Hur, Meier, Ed. On Feuerstein's Instrumental Enrichment: A Collection

Sharron, Howard. Changing Children's Minds: Feuerstein's Revolution in the Teaching of Intelligence

Feuerstein, Rand, and Rynders. Don't Accept Me As I Am.
This book discusses the remarkable results of using Mediated Learning with children and adults with mental retardation and Down syndrome.

Marcuse, Garry. The Mind of a Child
An award winning one hour video produced by Face to Face Media. A documentary produced in Israel, Canada, and the U.S. showing the application of Feuerstein's theories with at risk urban and rural students. It follows the work of Lorna Williams, who set out to help First Nations students in Canada to become successful learners Especially interesting for insights into the problems faced by people cut off from traditional occupations and support networks. When family and community ties are broken or disintegrate, children begin to show an inability to organize and process the vast sensory data of the world. Led by a mediating adult through the processes of discovering, skills are discovered and strengthened. Available from IRI/Skylight or Face to Face Media, 1-800-267-7710. More on this film.

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