Date and time

Day 1: Thursday 21 October 2021, 4.00 pm to 5.30 pm

Day 2: Thursday 28 October 2021, 4.00 pm to 5.30 pm

Delivery mode

Online – a Zoom link will be provided 24 hours prior to the event

Audience 

This learning event is right for you if you are a teacher, therapist, parent or psychologist wanting to know more about cognitive functions and the Feuerstein Method.

Description                                       

For the past seven years, master trainers have been conducting a range of Feuerstein courses at Independent Schools Victoria. Reuven Feuerstein was a clinical, developmental and cognitive psychologist who was known for his theory that ‘intelligence is not fixed but modifiable’. These courses revolve around ‘metacognition’, teaching students to think about their own thinking and to act upon what they conclude in this thinking.

This two-part learning event will examine Feuerstein’s cognitive functions necessary for lifelong learning and achievement. The style of teaching, termed mediation, essential for successful outcomes, will also be highlighted.

The Feuerstein Method is rooted in the knowledge and the belief, affirmed by the notion of neuroplasticity, that human beings are modifiable, and that anyone is capable of vastly improving his or her intellectual capabilities. This two-part seminar builds on this testimonial.

‘Intelligence is not fixed, it is modifiable. It is our duty to find the strength in every person.’ – Prof. Reuven Feuerstein

 This learning event supports creating best practice toward the following VRQA standard(s):

• Curriculum and Student Learning – Curriculum framework                                                                                           
• Curriculum and Student Learning – Student learning outcomes                                                                                  
• Curriculum and Student Learning – Information about school performance.                                                         

Key takeaways                 

• understanding of Feuerstein’s cognitive functions and mediation
• strategies to motivate and strengthen specific ways of thinking in learners and to build their thinking habits and solve problems
• strategies to aid the transfer of important learning skills to other curriculum areas
• methods to enhance the cognitive abilities among children and adults with specific learning disorders.

Presenter information

Diane Bourke                    

Diane Bourke is a Project Manager at Independent Schools Victoria, after a long career as Head of Junior School. She has a passion for reading and learning, and strongly believes that a great teacher is one who never stops the quest for learning. Diane is a Program Advisor for the Junior Great Books series, Kindergarten to Year 1 program, in the United States of America, and both a Principal as Literacy Leader and Feuerstein Instrumental Enrichment Basic trainer. Diane is also a Project Wayfinder trainer. She has also had a long association with the Reggio Emilia Approach in Australia.

Nikki Maguire                   

Nikki Maguire is an experienced educator, consultant  and presenter in primary, secondary and tertiary education across Independent, government and Catholic sectors. She has a passion for the science of learning and inclusive education practices. Nikki has a Masters in Inclusive Education and is a certified International Feuerstein Instrumental Enrichment trainer and facilitator, as well as an experienced Dynamic Assessment practitioner. She has worked in learning enhancement, academic coaching, wellbeing and school strategic planning and programme design and delivery.