A meta-analytic evaluation of Feuerstein’s Instrumental Enrichment program

Abstract

AbstractProponents of Feuerstein’s Instrumental Enrichment (FIE) claim that the program results in an improvement in school achievement, cognitive ability and classroom behaviour. However, because some outcome studies have produced negative results, a meta-analysis was undertaken to provide a reliable and comprehensive assessment of the efficacy of FIE. A total of 40 controlled studies, comprising 47 different samples, were examined. Significant, though modest, average effect sizes were found in all three areas – achievement, ability, and behaviour – with the most extensive improvement being made in ability. Gains in spatial/perceptual ability were related to the length of the intervention (number of hours), and self-esteem was related to age, with older children showing increases and young children showing decreases. These and other findings are discussed and suggestions made for future research.