Getting the brain into gear: Reuven Feuerstein and structural cognitive modifiability

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to bring to readers' attention the importance of cognitive development, how it comes into play within the world of organizations and that there are resources available for bringing it about.

Design/methodology/approach

Having indicated the author's own recognition of the need for a way to assist managers in their cognitive development, the paper covers the approach of Reuven Feuerstein who has been working for years in this area, though mainly with young people. The paper provides some indication of the elements within Feuerstsein's approach, emphasizing the importance of mediated learning experience.

Findings

The exploration in the study led to finding an approach to cognitive development and one which has proved useful in organizations.

Practical implications

The practical implications are that those concerned with learning and development might put more attention on the cognitive aspects of development and that, as a field, we might explore the available resources for assisting us in this process.

Originality/value

This paper alerts readers to the likelihood that cognitive development will become a much more significant focus of the learning and development field in the future. This is less likely to be recognized while there is unawareness of the existence of resources that can assist in this. Through focussing on one such resource, the work of Reuven Feuerstein, the paper indicates that a good deal of work has already been accomplished in this field and, further, that it aligns significantly with aspects that developers will be familiar with from their own practice.

Citation

Dawes, G. (2006), "Getting the brain into gear: Reuven Feuerstein and structural cognitive modifiability", Development and Learning in Organizations, Vol. 20 No. 3, pp. 18-20. https://doi.org/10.1108/14777280610656361