FIE

What is FIE?

FIE stands for Feuerstein Instrumental Enrichment.

The Feuerstein Instrumental Enrichment programme (FIE) is a curriculum in thinking, which is designed to enhance cognitive functioning, and is based on Feuerstein’s theory that all children, young people and adults can learn and change their level of thinking strategies.

The goal of the FIE programme is the development, of thinking processes that are needed for effective thinking, problem solving, and decision making. It focuses on transforming passive and dependent learners into more active self-motivated students.

For students who have previously experienced failure in school, FIE creates opportunities to gain insights into their way of thinking, attitudes, and feelings. They can begin to appreciate that the source of their difficulties is not due to their inferiority, inability, or lack of intelligence, but is due to inefficient strategies or lack of thorough planning.

This short 4 min clip shows how it works in the school system.

Feuerstein Insitute - IE in the School System https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sSh9jaXkq1U

This clip is from TVNZ’s Sunday programme and talks about the introduction of the FIE programme into New Zealand.

http://tvnz.co.nz/sunday-news/new-approach-dyslexia-learning-video-6052374

Growth Mindset:

Most classes are beginning the FIE programme by looking at Growth Mindset, this leads nicely into FIE because it lets children know that they can still grow their brain.  This video explains what a growth mindset is.

Growth Mindset

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JC82Il2cjqA   You Can Do Anything

Ask your child about the power of ...Yet.

TERM ONE FIE COGNITIVE FUNCTIONS of FOCUS

These are the key cognitive functions for term one. Ask your child to explain these to you at home.

Below are some of the skills the students will display when they have mastered each of these cognitive functions.

Stop and Think / Manage Impulsivity

Students can:

• Use a system or plan so that they don’t skip or miss something important or repeat themselves.
• Be systematic
• Take a moment to THINK before rushing ahead.

Define the Problem / Select Relevant Cues

Students can:

• Realise that there is a problem that needs solving. e.g. what is the sum of 5 and 7? (Students need to define what ‘sum’ means before they can solve the problem)
• Know what we have to do.

Accuracy and Precision

Students can:

• Think about the task before they start
• Gather the data
• Make a plan
• Be accurate in their oral language
• Be accurate and precise in their numeracy
• Be accurate and precise in their Literacy

It would be helpful if this language can be used at home. When you see your child struggling with a function try asking them "Are you being impulsive? How can you be more Precise and Accurate about this?"