About the Author
Dr Louis Benjamin is the creator of the Basic Concepts Programme© (BCP). He became aware at a very young age that he and other children learnt differently. Having himself attended a special needs school, Louis was sensitized to how children learn and had direct experiences of the prejudice against those who learn differently. While travelling and working abroad following his undergraduate degree in Social Work, Louis was exposed to and inspired by the work of Prof Reuven Feuerstein and Prof David Tzuriel in cognitive modifiability. He returned to South Africa and went on to attain a Masters Degree in Educational Psychology (Cum Laude) and thereafter completed his Ph.D. which researched the development and efficacy of the BCP. Apart from his work with the BCP Louis also teaches a number of university courses in Cognitive Education, Special Education and Dynamic Assessment. He also does clinical dynamic interactive assessment of children with learning difficulties.
Louis has been a national Board Member of the International Association for Cognitive Education in South Africa from 2003 to 2013 and is also a Board Member for Thinking Schools SA (TSSA). He served as Vice President for the Southern African Region of the International Association for Cognitive Education and Psychology (2007-2011). He also served as Chairperson of Western Cape Branch of the Southern African Association for Learners with Educational and Learning Difficulties (2002-2003).
Tertiary Qualifications:
BA Social Work Hons (Wits), B.Ed Psych (U.W.C), M.Ed, (Cum Laude) (U.W.C), Ph.D (U.W.C)
Professional Training:
- Diploma in Instrumental Enrichment-M.L.E., Prof. Reuven Feuerstein, Israel (1995).
- Certificate in Dynamic Assessment of Pre-Schoolers, Prof. David Tzuriel, University of Stellenbosch (1997).
- Certificate in Instrumental Enrichment, Prof. Mervyne Skuy, University of the Witwatersrand (1998).
- Certificate in Dynamic Assessment, Prof. Carl Haywood, University of the Witwatersrand (1999).
- Dynamic Assessment Internship, Educational Psychology Service, Southwark, London, UK (2001).
- Certificate in Dynamic Assessment of Classroom Learning, Dr. Mogens Jensen, University of Washington, Seattle, USA (2003).
- Curriculum Based Dynamic Assessment, Carol Lidz, University of Washington, Seattle, USA (2003).
- Learning Propensity Assessment Device I & II – Prof. Louis Falik, Cape Town, South Africa (2008).