中介作用理论

Feuersteins theory of mediationIntroduction The theory of mediation was proposed and developed by Vygotsky,a Russian psychologist and Feuerstein,an Israel psychologist and educator.Vygotskys viewpoint For Vygotsky and his followers,mediation refers to the use of“tools”.Tools in this sense refer to anything that is used in order to help solve a problem or achieve a goal.The most important of these tools is symbolic language.For these theorists,the use of mediational language to help learners move into and through their zone of proximal development(ZPD)最近发展区is particular significant.Feuersteins viewpoint Feuerstein suggests that right from birth a childs learning is shaped by the intervention of significant adults.He refers to these important figures in the childs learning as mediators and mediating adults,and experiences that they provide as mediated learning experiences.Key features of mediation Feuerstein identifies 12 features of mediation.The first three features are considered by Feuerstein to be essential for all learning tasks.The other nine are important and helpful,but they do not necessarily apply to all tasks,and depend to some extent on the situation and culture in which the learning is taking place.Here are the 12 features Significance Purpose beyond the here and now Shared intention A sense of competence Control of own behavior Goal-setting Challenge Awareness of change A belief in positive outcomes Sharing Individuality A sense of belonging Classification of themAccording to Williams book,they are classified into three groups:The first three featuresFactors concerned with taking control of learning 1.Factors concerned with fostering social developmentThe first three features Significance Purpose beyond the here and now Shared intentionFactors concerned with taking control of learning A sense of competence Control of own behavior Goal-setting Challenge Awareness of change A belief in positive outcomesFactors concerned with fostering social development Sharing Individuality A sense of belongingApplication of mediation theory For example:a task about telling apart two similar pictures.What mediation purpose can this activity serve?Value and purpose beyond here and nowControl of behavior Goal-setting and challengeSharing Investigating mediation in language classrooms Warren designed a questionnaire for teachers to use to evaluate their own mediation in language classes.Williams and Burden designed a questionnaire seeking to investigate teachers perceptions of the different features of mediation.And so on.