Description

The affective factors are often last to be considered when the issue of cognitive modifiability is discussed and yet they play a very important role in the process of mediation. Often the relationship between affective-emotional and cognitive-intellective aspects of mental act is imagines as two sides of the same coin. Jean Piaget, among others, used this metaphor. Reuven Feuerstein accepted this metaphor, but added that the coin is transparent, so cognition and emotion are actively interacting with each other. Another visual metaphor used during this lesson is that of a “ladder” that symbolizes the process of mediated learning. Greater mastery of cognitive operations encourages learners to become more independent, explorative, and ready for challenging situations. The theoretical issue of the relationship between cognitive and affective factors is illustrated by examples from IE Basic instruments as “Identifying Emotions” and “From Empathy to Action”.