Mediated Learning Experience: Questions to Enhance Cognitive Development of Young Children

Mediated learning experience (MLE) stresses that the quality of interaction between the child and the environment via a human mediator plays a pivotal role in the cognitive development of the individual. Feuerstein's theory of structural cognitive modifiability posited that humans have the propensity to change the structure of their cognitive functioning. Therefore, teachers and practitioners can intervene early during early childhood to potentially enhance cognition functions of young children, which will prepare them for successful adaptation to the rapidly changing environment. This article rides on the theoretical underpinnings of Feuerstein's theory of MLE to elaborate appropriate use of questions to enhance cognitive development during early childhood. Essentially, appropriate conditions foster the mediation of intentionality and reciprocity, meaning, and transcendence, the three parameters necessary for mediated interaction to take place and questions are used to mediate the parameters as we scaffold through teacher–student interactions.