Professor Reuven Feuerstein z”l

It is with great sadnes that we report the passing of Professor Reuven Feuerstein z”l.

Born on August 21, 1921 in Botoşani, Romania, Professor Feuerstein was an Israeli clinical, developmental, and cognitive psychologist, renowned for his theory of intelligence which states “it is not ‘fixed’, but rather modifiable.” The idea behind this theory is that intelligence can be modified through mediated interventions.

Professor Feuerstein was recognized for his lifelong work in developing the theories and applied systems of Structural Cognitive Modifiability, Mediated Learning Experience, Cognitive Map, Deficient Cognitive Functions, Dynamic Assessment: 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 meta-cognition.

Professor Feuerstein was the founder and director of the International Center for the Enhancement of Learning Potential (ICELP) in Yerushalayim. For more than 50 years, Professor Feuerstein ‘s theories and applied systems have been implemented in both clinical and classroom settings internationally, with more than 80 countries applying his work.

Professor 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

Professor Feuerstein was one of nine siblings. He attended the Teachers College in Bucharest (1940-41) and Onesco College in Bucharest (1942-44). Due to the Nazi invasion, Professor Feuerstein fled to save his life before obtaining his degree in psychology. After settling in ERetz Yisroel in 1945, he taught child survivors of the Holocaust until 1948. He saw that these children, whose families and cultures had been destroyed in the Holocaust, needed attention. Thus, he began a career that attended to the psychological and educational needs of immigrant refugee children.

Professor Feuerstein received numerous awards, including the Israel Prize in 1992.

The levayah was held today at the Feuerstein Institute, followed by kevurah on Har Hamenuchos.

Yehi zichro boruch.

{Matzav.com Israel News Bureau}