Rogoff’s argument “Humans develop through their changing participation in the sociocultural activities of their communities, which also change” (11). “Human development is a process by which people transform through their ongoing participation in cultural activities, which in turn contribute to change in their cultural communities across generations” (37).

This definition challenges several assumptions: Learning requires teaching (direct instruction, an expert knower instructing a non-expert child) The process of human development is universal and independent of culture Learning occurs only or mainly in childhood That culture is static and unchanging Learning is about developing personal skills or qualities (e.g.,literacy) rather than how a person uses literacy in their participation in an activity It is possible to distinguish between the person and the activity.

Learning does not require direct instruction

What does learning look like?

Human development is shaped by culture CDC site on developmental milestones: http://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/actearly/milestones/index.html Do you see our community’s cultural institutions and technology present in this list? Goals of human development can differ, p. 23 e.g.: respect terms or greetings might be more important in other societies

Learning occurs throughout the lifecourse When one enters a new job When one enters a new phase of life: toddlerhood vs. elderhood When one changes how one participates in a sociocultural activity

People participate in different social groups across their everyday lives and lifespans, and switch roles across those contexts.

Communities change People often participate in more than one community Those communities are in the midst of change, guided by people’s goals and cultural understandings and the changing circumstances they create through those goals

Learning is about participation in sociocultural activities, not skill acquisition or a general sense of competence that crosses domains Cognition/intelligence: how do you measure it? Rogoff, p. 39-40. What is going on here? Why is there a disconnect? How do we find out what someone knows or can do? What kind of sociocultural activity is the conversation? Role of the interviewer? Role of the respondent?

Because individual development constitutes and is constituted by social and cultural-historical activities and practices, it becomes difficult to separate out persons and activities.