Three universal MLE criteria: intentionality and reciprocity, mediation of meaning, and transcendence¶

Theory · All theories
Evidence · 3 claims (3 for) · 1 study (1 qualitative), q1 · 0 of 1 report an effect size · 3 claims rest on one study

Description¶

Within MLE theory, Feuerstein offers twelve criteria of mediated interaction, of which three are treated as universal and sufficient: intentionality and reciprocity (deliberately guiding the child's alertness and exchanging responses), mediation of meaning (explaining the significance of stimuli to build motivation), and transcendence (transfer of learning across contexts). The article states that "only the first three criteria can be considered sufficient and universal, and required to adapt the MLE interactions to the processes", with traces found across cultures. The study's observation form coded classroom interaction against exactly these three criteria.

Design Implications¶

Context¶

Requirements¶

• A mediator who deliberately aims to change the child's awareness, responds to the mediatee's reactions, explains why content matters, and pushes beyond the immediate task

Constraints¶

• The article notes lack of MLE can arise from the child's mental or physical disabilities or from lack of environmental opportunities such as parents' inadequate education level

Target Learners¶

• School students (2nd to 8th grades) in the study's village secondary school setting

Target Learning Objectives¶

• Thinking and analyzing skills
• meaningful learning
• transfer of learning

Claims¶

• Feuerstein argues learning through direct, unmediated experience cannot yield meaningful learning or full modifiability [+W]
• MLE mediation is reported as applicable and beneficial even when learners receive it late or face environmental, socio-economic or mental barriers [+W]
• Students reported greater engagement, motivation and language use after MLE-mediated English lessons [+M]

Related Theories¶

• Feuerstein's Mediated Learning Experience (MLE) theory: a human mediator modifies the learner's interaction with stimuli to build cognitive modifiability
• Feuerstein's Mediated Learning Experience theory with twelve criteria of mediation
• Feuerstein's theory of structural cognitive modifiability and Mediated Learning Experience
• Feuerstein's mediated learning: human mediation as prerequisite for direct learning

Examples¶

• Five-stage MLE lesson pattern: curiosity arousal, explicit goals, meaning mediation, critical questioning, and transfer task
• Educators should act as mediators and facilitators of learning rather than content disseminators

Key Sources¶

• Mutlu, A. & Şahin, M. (2019). The Mediated Learning Experience (MLE) Theory in Meaningful Language Instruction. International Journal on New Trends in Education and Their Implications, 10(2). http://www.ijonte.org