Work

Cultural-Historical Activity Theory as a lens in mixed methods research on self-directed learning

Year: 2021

Type: article

Abstract: Self-directed learning (SDL) has become a sine qua non in a complex twenty-first century, especially in a transformed world during and after the Covid-19 pandemic. In this article, the authors argue that the use of quantitative instruments alone to measure students’ SDL is not rigorous enough to draw conclusions on the effectiveness of an intervention in an educational setting over a short period of less than a year. We suggest supplementing the quantitative data with qualitative data, and then utilizing cultural-historical activity theory (CHAT) as a research lens to provide a more nuanced understanding of the intervention and the effect thereof on students’ SDL. We propose a model using third-generation CHAT to provide a thick description of the research findings.

Source: South African Journal of Higher Education

DOI: 10.20853/35-5-4364

Authors: E. Mentz, J. J. de Beer

Institution: North-West University

Language: English

Topic: Innovative Education and Learning Practices

Subfield: Human Factors and Ergonomics

Field: Social Sciences

Domain: Social Sciences

SDG: Quality education

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $20