Notizia dal Feuerstein Institute

Dear Feuerstein Friend and Colleague, Plans are moving forward for the Jerusalem International Congress on Cognitive Modifiability and Neural Plasticity that the Feuerstein Institute is hosting, taking place from June 3-5th.  If you are not already informed of this event, please see the website www.brainconference.com.

Notizie dal Feuerstein Institute: Validità della Certificazione dei Livelli P..A.S.

Dal 1° luglio 2012 coloro che hanno frequentato proficuamente un corso PAS ricevono un CERTIFICATO DI MEDIATORE PAS (Certificate of Instrumental Enrichment Mediator). 

Notizie dal Feuerstein institute sulla Formazione Continua

Cari Lettori 

vi inoltro la comunicazione tradotta sulle nuove normative previste dal Feuerstein Institute. 

Notizie dal Feuerstein Institute sull'Accreditamento Professionale

 Carissimi lettori 

condivido con tutti voi il messaggio che mi giunto dal Feuerstein Institute riguardo il nuovo Programma di Accreditamento Professionale che è partito dal 1°Luglio 2012. 

Notizie dal Feuerstein Institue: with help from our friends

The UJA Federation of New York Partners with the Feuerstein Institute 

The Feuerstein Institute is proud to acknowledge our newest project with a senior partner in education; the UJA Federation of New York. Following the success of the first class of our Ethiopian Israelis enrolled at Hebrew University sponsored by the Harvey and Gloria Kaylie Foundation, the UJA Federation of New York has pledged to sponsor a second class of students.

The Feuerstein Institute's University Program began three years ago. The program's goal is to make available to Ethiopian immigrants and other children from disadvantaged backgrounds a first rate education at a top Israeli university, that would not have been otherwise available to them.

For a millennium, the Ethiopian culture has been based on an oral tradition. Therefore Ethiopian youths have a significant disadvantage in the traditional psychometric tests administered by the universities and consistently under perform in them. Their low scores make them ineligible for admission to the better universities. Professor Feuerstein, who throughout his career staunchly argued that traditional IQ tests are not an adequate measure of intelligence, proposed an alternative. He requested that instead of these universities using the students' psychometric scores as a basis of admission, to accept them based on LPAD testing. Bar Ilan University was the first to agree to try out a class of such students; this fall, the third class matriculate. A year later, Hebrew University agreed as well, and now the UJA Federation of New York will sponsor this fall's incoming class, who will begin the first year of their three year coursework.

We are proud to report that through our program, Ethiopian students have been placed in a wide variety of university departments, including (among several others); Medicine, Law, Electrical Engineering and Computer Science. 

Due to the success of this program, Ben Gurion University in Be'er Sheva has announced that they will take part in this ground breaking program as well, and plan to roll the program out as of the 2013/4 academic year.

Notizie dal Feuerstein Institute: Studio di caso

n the words of Limor, Noah's mother "When Noam and I first met Rav Rafi in Melbourne, I was desperate. Noam was an angry little boy, nearly nonverbal, with behavior that was getting worse by the day."

Noam, a young child with Down syndrome, came to the Feuerstein Institute a little over a year ago. When he arrived, his mother was frantic for help. Her son, frustrated by his lack of ability to communicate, was angry and aggressively acting out. He struggled in the nursery program in which he was enrolled. His parents were told to send him to special school, a prospect which they dreaded, and brought them great sadness as well despair. Fortunately, they met Rabbi Rafi Feuerstein and learned about the Feuerstein Institute. He told them that they would be able to help Noam if he came to Jerusalem for intensive assessment and treatment. While Limor was nervous at the prospect of leaving behind her husband and two other children, as well as her job for six weeks, she was amazed at the generosity of her family, friends, colleagues and community. With their support, she was able to bring Noam to Jerusalem for the six weeks of therapy that he needed.

Limor was amazed to see changes in her son right away. In her own words, "Hana Nakav and her staff showed me a Noam I never knew existed. They gave me hope when I honestly had no more left. During his time at the Institute, Noam 'woke-up,' and began to see the world around him. More importantly I began to show him the world. I was and am still amazed at how the Feuerstein techniques could change a child in six short weeks." For Limor and her family, Noam's trip to Israel turned out to be a truly life changing experience.

Noam continues to progress. Limor recently sent to the staff the following letter, marking Noam's progress one year later.

"Dear Feuerstein Institute Staff,

Last week marked the beginning of the school year here in Australia. Noam turned six in November, which is the age most children start school. Noam started school - Noam started a mainstream school!!! My dreams have come true and Naish and I are so proud to announce that Noam will be in a mainstream school with the support of an aide!

We would like to thank you all for your work with Noam and I while we were in Israel, and would like you to know that without you, I know we would not have come this far! Noam is thriving; he is talking more, understanding more and is growing into an amazing young boy who continues to inspire us, his family and everyone who meets him.

With love,

Limor, Naish and NOAM!!!"

Notizie dal Feuerstein Institute: Oh what a night

April 17, 2012, was a night to remember, as friends, family and admirers of Professor Reuven Feuerstein gathered at the King David Hotel in Jerusalem to celebrate the Professor's 90th birthday. It was an exciting and unforgettable evening, filled with emotional moments and inspiring and moving speeches given by friends and supporters of the Professor. The evening also served as the kick-off of the campaign for the establishment of the Feuerstein Institute International Campus.

The evening, sponsored by Feuerstein Heritage Foundation chairman, Claude Bassou, and by Mrs. Zehava Adiri, began with the very first meeting of the Feuerstein Institute's International Board of Governors. The Board consists of an illustrious group of academic and public figures, and is the main body to advance the activities of the Feuerstein Institute.

Immediately following, guests gathered for cocktails, where many old friends of the Feuerstein Institute from all over the world mingled, reacquainted, shared a few quick words and well wishes with the Professor and signed the beautiful Campus Charter designed by artist Ya'akov Boussidan.

The Professor was honored and toasted by many notable guests; among them Claude Bassou, Sheikh Jabari of Hebron and Rabbi I.M. Lau, Chief Rabbi of Tel Aviv. Chief Rabbi Lau recalled for the audience a conversation he had with Teddy Kollek, former mayor of Jerusalem, twenty years prior at the Institute's inauguration. Chief Rabbi Lau had said; "Reuven is seventy years old, why is he starting all these new projects?" To which Teddy Kollek answered; "You will see - not only is Reuven going to start these projects, he will accomplish them and start new ones as well." Sure enough, Professor Feuerstein has, and Chief Rabbi Lau finished his speech by saying; "Today, Reuven (acts and thinks) younger than me. He has many more dreams. He is going to accomplish them."

Nir Barkat, mayor of Jerusalem, rounded out the roster of speakers. He addressed those assembled not only as a mayor and a friend of the Feuerstein family, but as a parent. He discussed how strongly he believes in the Feuerstein method, and how important the goal of integration is. He stated that his connection to the Feuerstein Institute has strongly influenced the way he views learning and education policies.

At the conclusion of the speeches, Rabbi Rafi Feuerstein called up the Institute's leadership, and had each of them hand Professor Feuerstein a rose, symbolizing that they stand strong together. This was followed by musical performances by noted Israeli performer Shuli Rand, Professor Feuerstein's nephew, and musician Boaz Sharabi.

The evening concluded with all of the Professor's grandchildren performing a play for their grandfather. Elchanan, the Professor's 22 year old grandson who has Down Syndrome, had forgotten his script and improvised his line, closing with, "Saba (Grandfather), for all these years you took care of me. Now, I will take care of you."

The evening was truly a fitting celebration of the man through the recognition and appreciation of his life's work.

Notizie dal Feuerstein Institute: Summer à Paris

33rd Annual International Summer Workshop in Paris 

This summer the Feuerstein Institute held its 33rd International Summer Workshop in the City of Lights - Paris, France. This annual two week intensive seminar offers professionals an opportunity to learn the Feuerstein approach from the leading professionals in the method. There were over 230 participants from 29 countries, including Korea, Australia, Guatemala and the Faroe Islands. Participants this year got an extra special treat; this summer's seminar was hosted by Professor Reuven Feuerstein himself, for the first time in over five years!

"I cannot believe he came," gushed one enthusiastic participant from the Chinese delegation. "This is my fourth time attending Shoresh, and I always learn so much to bring back to my classroom. To actually get to hear the Professor speak in person... wow. It's incredible!"

The Professor, who celebrated his ninetieth birthday this year, led a number of the larger panels. Among them were the opening plenary, and an all day conference in honor of his birthday which focused primarily on the newest projects and innovations of the Feuerstein Institute. However, most participants agree that they will likely never forget actually getting to see Professor Feuerstein conduct LPAD assessments in person. Every distinctively encouraging "Bravo!" Professor Feuerstein gave the young children he was working with was met with thunderous applause.

It was not only conference participants who were thrilled at a chance to meet and spend time with the Professor. The Israeli Ambassador to France, Yossi Gal, hosted a dinner sponsored by the Feuerstein Heritage Foundation in his beautiful home in central Paris and addressed Professor Feuerstein with some very personal remarks. The dinner, which honored the Professor's achievements, was attended by friends, supporters and fellow academics.

The Professor also was invited to a scientific colloquium at the French Senate, co-organized by the OSE (L'Oeuvre de secours aux enfants) and the Feuerstein Heritage Foundation. The colloquium was attended by prestigious people from the areas of Medicine, Philosophy, Culture and Public Service and featured panel discussions on the Feuerstein Method and its application in the educational system. Testimonies were also given by children and parents who had been treated by the Feuerstein Institute.

    

At the end of the very full two weeks, the 33rd International Summer Workshop participants went home enlightened, energized about the new tools they've acquired, and exhausted from the non-stop sessions and special activities. Congratulations to all our newly certified practitioners.

 We look forward to seeing you at the 34th Workshop!