Title: THE EFFECTS OF FEUERSTEIN'S INSTRUMENTAL ENRICHMENT (FIE) ON COGNITIVE PERFORMANCE AND TRANSFER MEASURES OF AT-RISK ADOLESCENTS WHEN ADEQUATE MEDIATED LEARNING EXPERIENCES ARE PRESENT
Abstract: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of Feuerstein's Instrumental Enrichment (FIE) training given over an eight-month period on an at-risk adolescent population (N = 24) in British Columbia. Mediated Learning Experiences, a central construct of Feuerstein's learning theory of Structural Cognitive Modifiability, received particular attention and was monitored during the delivery of FIE. Data from the Raven Standard Progressive Matrices indicated that students in the experimental group (EG) improved their efficiency on this test. EG students outperformed CG students reliably on three of five scores yielded by the Test of Cognitive Skills. EG students also demonstrated consistent increments of their knowledge of FIE concepts, vocabulary, ability to bridge, strategy and comparison skills. Maintenance probes given three weeks after FIE had been discontinued indicated EG students not only maintained their FIE knowledge, but also evidenced an improved ability to do so. ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS I would like to express a deep appreciation to Dr. Bernice Wong of Simon Fraser University not only for her generous and warm support of my effort, but also for her insightful comments, patience, and humour. She believed when I doubted, and provided a source of energy when mine was flagging. I felt privileged to be her student. I would also like to express my gratitude to Krin Zook and Mike Warsh for their constant encouragement and for allowing me to work with a wonderful group of adolescents, who also deserve a warm thanks. We learned from each other and I will certainly always remember our time together. I would like to sincerely thank the scores of personnel from the Vancouver School District, especially Helen Kettle of the Student Assessment and Research Department, for their expertise and assistance. This study would not have occurred had not Lorna Williams, Native Indian Education Specialist for the 3ancouver School Board, had the vision and determination to bring Feuerstein's work to the Vancouver school system. The thousands of children in British Columbia's schools who are receiving the benefits of Feuerstein's program owe her a debt of gratitude. And last but not least, I want to thank my seven children, Sarah, Katherine, Rachael, Adam, Miriam, Susannah, and Stephanie for eating the sometimes hastily made dinners, repeating themselves when I wasn't listening, and loving me enough to give me the time to complete this study. TABLE OF CONTENTS Page Approval Page Abstract Acknowledgements Table of
Publication Year: 1991
Publication Date: 1991-01-01
Language: en
Type: dissertation
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Cited By Count: 1
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