Activity Theory Research Articles

Heutagogical-based mobile social media space

This concise paper aims to propose a framework for enhancing intercultural communication competencies among Chinese as foreign language (CFL) learners using Heutagogical-based Mobile Social Media spaces. Integrating qualitative and quantitative data analysis with Activity Theory (AT) and the Design for Transformative Mobile Learning (DTML) framework, this study seeks to develop a potentially effective educational approach. By leveraging mobile social media, the envisioned framework intends to support autonomous learning and foster intercultural competencies among CFL learners.

Magneto‐Chiral Dichroism of Chiral Lanthanide Complexes in the Context of Richardson's Theory of Optical Activity

AbstractHere we report on the Magneto‐Chiral Dichroism (MChD) detected through visible and near‐infrared light absorption of two enantiomeric pairs of ErIII and TmIII chiral complexes featuring a propeller‐like molecular structure. The magnetic properties show typical features of isolated paramagnetic ions associated with 4I15/2 and 3H6 ground state terms. MChD spectroscopy shows high gMChD dissymmetry factors of ca. 0.12 T−1 and 0.05 T−1 (T=4.0 K and B=1.0 T) for ErIII and TmIII, respectively, associated with the magnetic‐dipole allowed 4I13/2 ← 4I15/2 and 3H5 ← 3H6 transitions. MChD signals of the two complexes were detected up to room temperature and under magnetic fields up to 5.0 T. For the first time, the MChD results are discussed in the context of the Richardson theory of lanthanide optical activity and provide clear indications on the strongest MChD‐active electronic transitions of lanthanide complexes.

Evaluation of transition rates from nonequilibrium instantons

Equilibrium rate theories play a crucial role in understanding rare, reactive events. However, they are inapplicable to a range of irreversible processes in systems driven far from thermodynamic equilibrium like active and biological matter. Here we develop an efficient numerical method to compute the rate constant of rare nonequilibrium events in the weak-noise limit based on an instanton approximation to the stochastic path integral and illustrate its wide range of application. We demonstrate excellent agreement of the instanton rates with numerically exact results for a particle under a nonconservative force. We also study phase transitions in an active field theory. We elucidate how activity alters the stability of the two phases and their rates of interconversion in a manner that can be well described by modifying classical nucleation theory. Published by the American Physical Society 2024

Promoting learner-centred education amid the culture of test-based accountability: insights from a cross-cultural teacher education programme

ABSTRACT Based on third generation activity theory, this study analyses the interplay between a test-based accountability mechanism and a pedagogical reform that introduced unfamiliar educational experiences (including those popular in other contexts) to implement learner-centred education (LCE) in a cross-cultural teacher education programme in China. Interviews with principals and teachers and school documents in four schools were analysed. Findings questioned the polarisation of test-based accountability and LCE. Participants supported the pursuit of examination excellence, partly due to the tradition of honouring examinations in China, but also recognised that enhancing examination performance and implementing LCE could align. However, to resolve short-term conflicts between these two objectives, developing school-specific development plans that accommodated both goals became essential. This research revealed the effectiveness of third generation activity theory in investigating the interactions between LCE and test-based accountability. ‘Expansive transformation’ of pedagogics became possible when educators developed a local understanding of the purpose of LCE.

IDEOGRAPHIC MODELLING OF THE EMOTIONAL PICTURE OF THE WORLD IN ENGLISH PHRASEOLOGY

Emotion is a mental reflection in the form of a direct biased experience of the content of life phenomena and situations, caused by the relation of their objective properties to the needs of the subject. Emotions are essential components of life activity, a powerful means of activating the sensory and perceptual activity of the individual. In the theory of activity, they are defined as a reflection of the relationship between the result of an activity and its motive. If the activity is successful in terms of the motive, positive emotions (interest, satisfaction) arise, and if it is unsuccessful, negative emotions arise. Emotions arise only in connection with events or results of actions that are related to motives. The highest product of the development of human emotions is strong feelings for objects that meet one’s highest needs. A strong, absolutely dominant feeling is called passion. Events signalling possible changes in a person’s life, along with specific emotions, can cause changes in the general emotional background – mood. The attitude to the reflected phenomena as the main property of emotions is presented: 1) in their qualitative characteristics, which include: a) sign – positive, negative; b) modality – anger, contempt, embarrassment, guilt, interest, sadness, surprise, disgust, pleasure, fear, shame; 2) in the dynamics of the course of emotions themselves – duration, intensity, etc.; 3) in the dynamics of external expression of emotions – emotional expression – in facial expressions, speech, pantomime.

Pedagogical responsiveness of mathematics instruction at inclusive secondary schools: A particularistic case study

This qualitative particularistic case study explores the perspectives and experiences of learners with visual and hearing impairments regarding the teaching of mathematics. Extreme-case sampling was employed to select four learners (three hearing impaired and one visually impaired) from the only two inclusive secondary schools in the northern part of Namibia. The study qualitative study utilised open-ended questionnaires and interviews. Verbatim quotes from the research participants were used as inferences to identify descriptors within the first-generation Cultural Historical Activity Theory, which served as a theoretical and analytical tool. The findings revealed that the activity system of learners with visual and hearing impairments exhibited tensions that negatively affected their performance in mathematics. Learners experienced marginal responsive pedagogy in mathematics classrooms due to teachers' lack of knowledge and pedagogical skills for delivering meaningful mathematical instruction. While learners without disabilities struggled with comprehension and effective communication skills, learners with visual and hearing impairments faced a lack of equipment to support the conceptualisation and visualisation of mathematical subject content. The authors emphasise the critical importance of addressing communication barriers and adapting teaching practices to support the learning and inclusion of visually and hearing-impaired learners in mathematics, with an emphasis on mathematical language that promotes a better understanding of mathematical concepts. Teacher training should also incorporate responsive pedagogy to enhance outcomes and foster a more inclusive learning environment that promotes academic success and positive social experiences for all learners. Recommendations at a policy level, including advocating for a decolonised curriculum were made.

Active Inference Models of AV Takeovers: Relating Model Parameters to Trust, Situation Awareness, and Fatigue.

Our objectives were to assess the efficacy of active inference models for capturing driver takeovers from automated vehicles and to evaluate the links between model parameters and self-reported cognitive fatigue, trust, and situation awareness. Control transitions between human drivers and automation pose a substantial safety and performance risk. Models of driver behavior that predict these transitions from data are a critical tool for designing safer, human-centered, systems but current models do not sufficiently account for human factors. Active inference theory is a promising approach to integrate human factors because of its grounding in cognition and translation to a quantitative modeling framework. We used data from a driving simulation to develop an active inference model of takeover performance. After validating the model's predictions, we used Bayesian regression with a spike and slab prior to assess substantial correlations between model parameters and self-reported trust, situation awareness, fatigue, and demographic factors. The model accurately captured driving takeover times. The regression results showed that increases in cognitive fatigue were associated with increased uncertainty about the need to takeover, attributable to mapping observations to environmental states. Higher situation awareness was correlated with a more precise understanding of the environment and state transitions. Higher trust was associated with increased variance in environmental conditions associated with environmental states. The results align with prior theory on trust and active inference and provide a critical connection between complex driver states and interpretable model parameters. The active inference framework can be used in the testing and validation of automated vehicle technology to calibrate design parameters to ensure safety.

Emergent AI-assisted discourse: a case study of a second language writer authoring with ChatGPT

Abstract The rapid proliferation of ChatGPT has incited debates regarding its impact on human writing. Amid concerns about declining writing standards, this study investigates the role of ChatGPT in facilitating writing, especially among language learners. Using a case study approach, this study examines the experiences of Kailing, a doctoral student, who integrates ChatGPT throughout their writing process. The study employs activity theory as a lens for understanding writing with generative AI tools and data analyzed includes semi-structured interviews, writing samples, and GPT logs. Results indicate that Kailing effectively collaborates with ChatGPT across various writing stages while preserving her distinct authorial voice and agency. This underscores the potential of AI tools such as ChatGPT to enhance writing for language learners without overshadowing individual authenticity. This case study offers a critical exploration of how ChatGPT is utilized in the writing process and the preservation of a student’s authentic voice when engaging with the tool.

Analyzing Graduate Students ’ Open-Book Exam Experiences Before and After ChatGPT Based on Activity Theory

Analyzing Graduate Students ’ Open-Book Exam Experiences Before and After ChatGPT Based on Activity Theory

Got milk? Got cybersecurity risks! Unraveling ransomware threats in the German dairy industry

PurposeThis study aims to explore the vulnerabilities of the dairy industry to ransomware threats, focusing particularly on the upstream supply chain and applying routine activity theory (RAT) to understand the evolving dynamics of cybercrime in critical infrastructure sectors.Design/methodology/approachUtilizing expert interviews and network analysis, this research investigates the exploitation of complex supply chain vulnerabilities by motivated offenders. It delves into the intricate interplay between digital threats and physical supply continuity.FindingsThe study uncovers that ransomware threats transcend digital boundaries, manifesting in disruptions to physical operations and presenting significant risks to food security. It underscores the threat posed by the convergence of information technology (IT) and operational technology (OT), emphasizing the urgent need for heightened awareness and robust defenses against this substantial menace.Practical implicationsAddressing cyber vulnerabilities in critical sectors like dairy ensures not only the security of operations but also safeguards broader societal interests such as food security. Collaboration and proactive measures are essential to mitigate potential social and economic disruptions caused by cyber incidents.Originality/valueThis research fills a knowledge gap by shedding light on the nexus between cyber threats and supply chain resilience. It emphasizes the need for industries to adapt traditional defense mechanisms in the face of sophisticated digital adversaries.

Do help options facilitate computer‐based L2 listening comprehension? Evidence from an activity theory perspective

AbstractDespite the proliferation of help options for computer‐based second language (L2) listening comprehension, little attention has been given to a comprehensive understanding of the pedagogical effects. To gain a thorough understanding of the overall and moderator effects, drawing on the activity theory (AT), this study conducted a meta‐analysis of 33 valid independent studies on help options for computer‐based L2 listening comprehension with 3697 participants involved. Results demonstrated that (a) compared with those traditional methods, help options are found to be more facilitative for L2 listening comprehension with a small‐to‐moderate effect of g = 0.449, 95% CI [0.303, 0.596]; and (b) the effects of help options for computer‐based L2 listening comprehension are moderated by option types, feedback types, language distance types, intervention durations and learning activity types. Motivated by the results obtained, this study also discussed pedagogical implications for future studies. Practitioner notesWhat is already known about this topic The improved pedagogical effects of help options for computer‐based second language (L2) listening comprehension have been well‐documented. A large number of studies on the use of help options for computer‐based L2 listening comprehension have been published. There has been no research aggregating the overall effects of help options for computer‐based L2 listening comprehension. Some potential factors that may moderate the effects of help options for computer‐based L2 listening comprehension remain underexplored. What this paper adds This paper aims to aggregate the overall and moderator effects from the existing publications of help options for computer‐based L2 listening comprehension. Compared with those traditional methods, help options are found to be more facilitative for L2 listening comprehension with a small‐to‐moderate effect of g = 0.449. The effects of help options for computer‐based L2 listening are moderated by option types, feedback types, language distance types, intervention durations and learning activity types. Implications for practice and/or policy Help options have been confirmed to facilitate computer‐based L2 listening comprehension, especially among learners of primary and secondary levels. Call for more empirical studies investigating how different types of options, feedback, language distance and intervention durations along with learning activity moderate the effectiveness. Further attempts should investigate help options for computer‐based L2 listening comprehension with the integration of generative AI, large language model (LLM) and natural language processing (NLP) techniques.

Practices and systems employed by health professionals toward protection and confidentiality of patient health records in Ghana

ObjectivesHealth information relies on a patient's sensory perceptions as well as objective assessments, diagnoses, and test findings. Ghana's current laws governing the confidentiality of patient health data seems a little pertinent in spite of ongoing conversations on the significance of patient health information and the necessity to protect patient information from improper disclosure. The study therefore investigated the extent of patient confidentiality in Ghana by looking into the guidelines, regulations, and rules that govern patient records. MethodsThe interpretive, phenomenological, and narrative methodologies used in qualitative research were employed to study the phenomenon. Twenty (20) participants were interviewed in a semi-structured manner to gather the data needed for the analysis comprising of Doctors, Nurses, Administrative staff, Record Officers, and Information Communication Technology (ICT0 Technicians of five Departments in La General Hospital. The Activity Theory was used as a theoretical foundation for the study ConclusionsThe study revealed that healthcare professionals uphold the moral standards relating to patient confidentiality and trust. Again, the findings of the study showed that medical records are safely stored through the use of Electronic Health Record system in the hospital in a manner that wouldn't compromise patient confidentiality. However, the results establishes that health care workers can potentially serve as a conduit for the leak or breach of patient information through negligence and unprofessional practices. Public interest statementThe study investigated systems and practices that are employed by health workers in Ghana to ensure that patient health records are safeguarded in order to build patients confidence in how their health records are protected. Health workers were interviewed in this study and the findings of the study show that there are practices and systems put in place to safeguard patient health records in the hospitals. Although, it was established that EHR systems help in safeguarding patient health records, the study recommends the need for users of the Health Electronic Records to be fully involved in the implementation process and strict enforcement of policies regarding the use of the EHR system to help prevent negligence and unprofessional application of the system.

THE STRUCTURE AND CONTENT OF THE COURSE "INNOVATIONS IN SOCIAL WORK" (FROM THE TEACHING EXPERIENCE)

The topic relevance is determined by the requirements for the training of social work specialists for innovative activities in conditions of modern challenges. The article aims to characterize the structure and content of the course "Innovations in Social Work" for the 2nd (master's) level of higher education, specialty 231 "Social Work" (from teaching experience). Scientific methods applied: generalization, abstraction, explanation, systematization, system-structural, and descriptive analysis. The author notes the importance of a systematic approach to the development of the general concept of the training course. It is justified by taking into account not only theoretical and practical aspects of innovative activity, but also regulatory and legal ones. The structure of content modules tested in the teaching process is proposed: 1) theory of innovative activity; 2) regulatory and legal support of innovations; 3) innovation as a factor in overcoming social problems of our time. A brief overview of the lectures and recommendations for seminars are provided. Considering the absence of thematic sections on innovations in the field of social protection of the population in cross-sectoral normative documents, special attention is paid to the Plan for the implementation of the Ukraine Facility 2024-2027. The reforms for the next 4 years are presented in this document. It is emphasized that some of them are considered in the module No.3 ("Social work in multidisciplinary rehabilitation teams", "Implementation of the veteran's assistant institute", "Evolution of the deinstitutionalization reform in Ukraine") with logical transition to module No.3. The proposed structure and content of the course "Innovations in Social Work" can contribute to the formation of program learning outcomes defined by the educational standard., Special emphasis is placed on the challenges of teaching innovative activities: taking into account the requirements of the standard of higher education and the professional standard, the interdisciplinary nature of knowledge, the incompleteness of legal support for innovative activities in the field of social work. Both the theoretical and legal and educational issues of teaching the course "Innovations in social work" are among the directions of further scientific research.

Morphodynamics of interface between dissimilar cell aggregations

Tissue interfaces are essential for development and their disruption often leads to diseases such as tumor invasion. Here, we combine experiments, theoretical modeling, and numerical simulations to quantify the morphodynamics of interface in a biphasic system composed of Madin Darby canine kidney (MDCK) and mouse myoblast (C2C12) cells. We show that cellular activity regulates the interface morphodynamics and drives wave propagation along the interface. Based on the dispersion relationship, we identify that the wave dynamics results from the activity-mediated instability of the interface and coherent flow. It is found that the topological defects accumulate around and destabilize the interface and +1/2 topological defects are more likely to aggregate in MDCK cell clusters. A biphasic active nematic theory is employed to reproduce our experimental observations and decipher the underlying mechanisms. These findings provide physical insights into the interfacial evolution that could be implicated in tissue morphogenesis and tumor invasion.

Mobilizing extremism: an examination of the travel patterns of right-wing extremists in the United States

ABSTRACT Extensive criminological research has documented a ‘distance-decay’ effect in criminal activity, with offenders less likely to commit crimes farther from their residences. While recent studies have identified similar patterns in ideologically motivated violence, variation in the travel behaviors of extremists remains underexplored. Using data on right-wing extremists who carried out a violent plot, between 2000 and 2020, alongside information on Capitol insurrectionist arrestees – and drawing on routine activity and rational-choice theories of offender decision-making – this study extends this literature along three dimensions: type, time, and ties. First, we distinguish between different types of offenders, showing that while both violent extremists and insurrectionists exhibit distance-decays, the latter tend to travel farther and exhibit a more irregular decay. Secondly, we identify a meaningful temporal shift in the right-wing extremist landscape, with offenders increasingly traveling longer distances to execute their plots. Finally, we highlight the role of social ties in shaping travel behaviors, where individuals affiliated with extremist groups tend to travel longer distances. These findings contribute to a more nuanced understanding of the spatial behavior of right-wing extremists, the factors influencing their mobility, and the evolving nature of right-wing extremism in the United States.

New Perspectives on Collective Collaboration Within and Between Change Laboratory Sessions

This article contributes new knowledge on collaboration within and between Change Laboratory sessions and how it offers the potential to support the zone of proximal development and the expansive learning of participants. The Change Laboratory is a formative intervention method that helps participants transform their practices. This qualitative study examines how six educators participating in a Change Laboratory intervention dealt with problems that arise when implementing digital artifacts in teaching mathematics. We collected data through participant observation between sessions and video recordings during sessions. We conducted the data analysis abductively, using the seven expansive learning actions as an analytical framework. The findings highlight how collaboration between the researcher and the participants, both during and between Change Laboratory sessions, helped support the participants’ zone of proximal development and expansive learning. This close collaboration enabled the educators to collectively reflect on and transform their teaching practices, specifically by incorporating digital artifacts into their educational routines. The study provides important insights into how digital artifacts can be successfully implemented in practice using Change Laboratories, emphasizing the importance of supporting educators in their zone of proximal development. Using a theoretical perspective grounded in cultural-historical activity theory, the study contributes to understanding how change occurs in the educational field.

Physician development through interprofessional workplace interactions: A critical review.

Increasingly, medical training aims to develop physicians who are competent collaborators. Although interprofessional interactions are inevitable elements of medical trainees' workplace learning experiences, the existing literature lacks a cohesive model to conceptualise the learning potential residing in these interactions. We conducted a critical review of the health professions and related educational literatures to generate an empirically and theoretically informed description of medical trainees' workplace interactions with other health professionals, including learning mechanisms and outcomes. Informed by Teunissen's conceptualisation of workplace learning, we highlight the individual, social and situated dimensions of learning from interprofessional workplace interactions. Workplace interactions between medical trainees and other health professionals tend to be brief, spontaneous, informal and often implicit without the predefined educational goals and roles that structure trainees' relationships with physician supervisors. Yet they hold potential for developing trainees' knowledge and skills germane to the work of a physician as well as building their capacity for collaboration. Our review identified a spectrum of learning theories helpful for examining what and how trainees learn from these interactions. Self-regulated learning theories focus attention on how learning depends on trainees interpreting and judging the cues offered by other health professionals. Sociocultural frameworks including the zone of proximal development and legitimate peripheral participation emphasise the ways other health professionals support trainees in performing tasks at the border of their abilities and facilitate trainees' participation in clinical work. Both the landscapes of practice theory and cultural historical activity theory highlight the influence of surrounding social, cultural and material environments. These theories are unified into cohesive model and demonstrated through an illustrative example. Interprofessional workplace interactions harbour a range of learning opportunities for medical trainees. Capitalising on their potential can contribute to training collaborative practice-ready physicians alongside traditional intra-professional interactions between physicians and merits future research.

An investigation of pedagogical change with novel technology in fee paying and no-fee schools during COVID-19

Following the reopening of schools after the national lockdown in March 2020, the Department of Basic Education (2020a) in South Africa implemented the School Reform Plan to mitigate the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the loss of learning and teaching in schools. To date, limited information is available on the extent to which these measures have had an impact on pedagogical practices of teachers across the different poverty quintile schools. In this paper, we report on teachers' perceptions of how novel technological tools, introduced during the pandemic, altered their pedagogy practices across no-fee and fee-paying schools. Data was obtained from 1098 teachers and analysed using Engeström's (1987) Cultural Historical Activity Theory as the framework. Findings indicate that two broad, ideal pedagogical types, reinforcement pedagogy and collaborative pedagogy, emerged in both no-fee and fee-paying schools from the use of technology in schools during the COVID pandemic. While reinforcement pedagogy is motivated by the need to cover the curriculum, the motivation behind collaborative pedagogy is to develop learners' understanding of concepts in class.

Transforming Foundation Phase Life Skills Teachers’ Use of Learning and Teaching Support Materials Towards Sustainable Development of Teaching

This paper reports on transforming Foundation Phase teachers’ use of learning and teaching support materials (LTSMs) to sustain teaching and learning in Life Skills classrooms. This paper aimed to comprehend teachers’ perspectives on how they could transform their practices using LTSMs to improve their teaching and learner performance to contribute towards the sustainable development of teaching. The National Policy and Guidelines for LTSM stipulate that teachers must be teaching mediators. The study was informed by an analytical framework for studying classroom practices along the Activity Theory (AT) dimensions through teachers’ and learners’ interactions. The case study design was qualitative with an interpretive paradigm. Purposive sampling gathered information from three Grade 3 Life Skills teachers through semi-structured interviews, structured observations, and document analysis. Data were analysed, and themes emerged from the questions. Findings revealed that LTSMs are ineffective in improving teaching and learner performance due to shortages, overcrowded classrooms, and lack of professional development. We recommend that the Department of Education should provide more classrooms to assist teachers in their practices. Also, there should be more professional development activities for teachers to transform their practices for sustainable development.

Understanding the Mechanisms Mediating the Relationship Between Delinquent Peer Association and Adolescent Drug Use in the Greater China Region

Prior research on delinquent peer association and adolescent drug use predominantly examines the direct link between the two factors from the differential association/social learning perspective. The current study, based on survey data among 8,027 secondary school students sampled from three major cities in the Greater China Region, aims to elucidate this relationship further by identifying key mediators derived from several major criminological theories and perspectives, including social learning theory, lifestyle/routine activity theory, general strain theory, and the opportunity perspective. This study finds that significant mediators include pro-drug use attitudes, crime victimization, and drug availability, with pro-drug use attitudes exerting the most substantial influence on adolescent drug use. These results underscore the complexity of the relationship between delinquent peer association and adolescent drug use, advocating for a multifaceted theoretical approach for comprehensive understanding.