Center for Activity Theory and Developmental Work Research Using Activity Theory to Help Teachers Redesign their Practice Yrjö Engeström University of Helsinki Center for Activity Theory and Developmental Work Research

Center for Activity Theory and Developmental Work Research The Site A Junior High School in Helsinki, Finland More than 30% of the students from recent immigrant or refugee families

Center for Activity Theory and Developmental Work Research The Intervention Change Laboratory: 11 weekly meetings in the fall 1998 and winter teachers and research group –analyzed contradictions –constructed a vision –designed concrete steps toward the vision for the activity system of the school

Center for Activity Theory and Developmental Work Research Focus of this presentation One concrete step: putting computers in the corridors for students to use during recess Part of improving the physical work environment of the school

Center for Activity Theory and Developmental Work Research Expansive cycle of learning

Center for Activity Theory and Developmental Work Research Ethnographic documentation

Center for Activity Theory and Developmental Work Research Fall 1998: There is nothing to do …and no place to sit!

Center for Activity Theory and Developmental Work Research

9 Students: They could put a computer there… … but it wouldnt stay there for long

Center for Activity Theory and Developmental Work Research

Center for Activity Theory and Developmental Work Research Mirror Ethnographic documentation

Center for Activity Theory and Developmental Work Research

Center for Activity Theory and Developmental Work Research Novice teacher: There were computers in the corridor of my previous school CHANGE LAB SESSION 2

Center for Activity Theory and Developmental Work Research

Center for Activity Theory and Developmental Work Research Benchmarking and sharpening of contrasts Mirror Ethnographic documentation

Center for Activity Theory and Developmental Work Research Students use computers during recess, no problems Computer teacher from another Junior High School: CHANGE LAB SESSION 3

Center for Activity Theory and Developmental Work Research

Center for Activity Theory and Developmental Work Research Documentation of resistance and innovation Benchmarking and sharpening of contrasts Mirror Ethnographic documentation

Center for Activity Theory and Developmental Work Research Contradiction I: Apathy vs. Energy CHANGE LAB SESSION 3

Center for Activity Theory and Developmental Work Research

Center for Activity Theory and Developmental Work Research Contradiction II: Control vs. Trust CHANGE LAB SESSION 3

Center for Activity Theory and Developmental Work Research

Center for Activity Theory and Developmental Work Research Contradictions in the activity system

Center for Activity Theory and Developmental Work Research Teacher: Its not impossible but… CHANGE LAB SESSION 9

Center for Activity Theory and Developmental Work Research

Center for Activity Theory and Developmental Work Research Documentation of change Documentation of resistance and innovation Benchmarking and sharpening of contrasts Mirror Ethnographic documentation

Center for Activity Theory and Developmental Work Research A year later: The computers are there! (and so are the sofas)

Center for Activity Theory and Developmental Work Research

Center for Activity Theory and Developmental Work Research Thank You!