08/04/2024
Mediated Learning Experience (MLE) is central to the theory of Reuven Feuerstein.
MLE is essential to the role of parents/mediators in child rearing in this era of technology. It is about how we interact with a young child. ''In MLE the mediator has the intention to mediate in a way that makes the chid more alert and does everything possible to maintain the state of alertness and focus. When in a state of alertness, the child is more responsive to learning" (Feuerstein R, 1979,1980.
An article by Dr Hannah Botsis (Daily Maverick, March 2024) confirms this need. "We want to control our devices if we want to raise emotionally healthy children". Interviews with psychologists give warnings about the interference of the cell phone when an adult engages with his/her baby/child.
She quotes a psychologist, Luke Lamprecht, in which he talks about how the cell phone is central in eroding the 'self efficacy' in children. As a parent/carer engages with their phone- even a glance away changes the facial expression (e.g. a frown) of the adult and interrupts the learning process. This in turn may lead to anxiety in the baby/child because he doesn't understand the adult's response.
In MLE the adult shows a clear intention to model good behaviour.
Adults should not allow the phone to interfere. The electronic devices ( phones, ipad's etc.) are part of our lives but we must control them. 👍
Children🥰 need an environment that is predictable, and they need to feel understood, by getting the full attention of the adult/mediator.
