Cultural-Historical Activity Theory: Exploring a Theory to Inform Practice and Research

Life Orientation teachers' career development needs in Gauteng: Are we missing the boat?

“…This theory emphasizes the psychological, activity-based perspective on human activity and development (Forbes, Madeira, Davis andSlotta 2009). Foot (2014) argues that the theory provides a framework for analyzing professional work practice, thus offering a multi-dimensional systemic approach that includes psychological motives, tools as well as the dynamics of power, money, culture and history (Foot 2014). This author further asserts that in CHAT, human beings are encultured and everything people do is shaped by and draws upon their cultural values and resources.…”

“…Influenced by the need for continual professional training and development programmes of LO teachers, CHAT can serve as a tool that provides a useful mechanism to enable the multi-faceted analyses of complexities that lead to tensions within and amongst activity systems (Figure 4). These tensions evolve and respond to systemic contradictions within the activity (Foot 2014). Engeström (1987) argues that these systems can either contradict or create an opportunity for expansive learning, since they are heart of learning practice (Engeström 1987).…”

“…This author further asserts that in CHAT, human beings are encultured and everything people do is shaped by and draws upon their cultural values and resources. In addition, since cultures are grounded in histories and evolve over time, people's activities must be viewed in light of the historical trajectories of their actions (Foot 2014). …”

Towards functional school libraries: supporting library assistants in under-resourced schools through a university-community-school partnership

“…Earlier in this article we referred to communities of practice involving participation through action and connection, and the ability to negotiate meaning in context despite differing roles, positions and perspectives of the members (Foot 2014). The first point of engagement with library assistants was the formalising of their job descriptions and the signing of the Memoranda of Agreement.…”

Unlacing the entrepreneurial potential : exploring factors influencing entrepreneurial intention and entrepreneurship education in emerging economies

“…There is a growing interest in practice-based research and theorizing, and, as such, the use of middle-range practice-based theory as frameworks for (re)shaping professional and academic practices has also grown (Foot, 2014). Activity theory is one such theory that offers a way to examine complex practices.…”