Résultat de la recherche
The Vygotskian Contribution to the Construction of a General Theory of Human Learning
During the 1990s, trying to account for the complexity of the learning process of adult learners, Étienne Bourgeois and Jean Nizet realized that the conceptual frameworks available to explain such a process widely rest on an epistemology that establishes a priori essential differences between child and adult learners. As a response, they committed in developing a general approach to human learning that were coherently inscribed in a general theory of human functioning and development. Appropriating the conceptual system of Piagetian constructivism, they developed a solid and fruitful account of human learning. This account, however, is not free of problems and poses new challenges. In this chapter, we briefly present two of those challenges (the supposed distinction of declarative and procedural knowledge, and the problem of authentic cognitive novelty) and propose Lev Vygotski’s work to overcome them. We focus particularly on the Vygotskian conceptions of concept and internalization, and we illustrate these conceptual contributions with examples of our work in teaching and research in both deaf education and teacher training. The chapter finally presents the integrated Vygotskian-Piagetian model we have adopted in our ongoing effort to account for human learning, which we hope will be useful for researchers and educators.
Chilean deaf adolescents’ experiences with reading: beliefs and practices associated to different types of reading activities
Deaf and hard-of-hearing (D/HH) students’ difficulties with written language have been consistently reported, but there are few studies about deaf students’ reading practices and experiences. This study aimed to characterize past and current reading experiences of Chilean D/HH adolescents. There were 46 participating students (7th–12th graders). Semi-structured interviews were conducted, which addressed students’ beliefs about reading, early experiences with books, preferred reading material, and perceptions of themselves as readers. The interviews were analyzed using qualitative content analysis. Results show that, for students, reading is an arduous and not much enjoyed activity; it becomes a task they try to avoid and which they circumscribe mostly to the school context. Some of them report enjoying interacting with other types of texts, especially when these include pictures, but they do not seem to consider them as true reading activities. Reading difficulties faced in their early school years are still present. Students tend to blame their difficulties on limited vocabulary knowledge and to ask for help from teachers and parents in order to understand text. Most of them are not independent readers, and having to rely on someone else to understand text perpetuates their view of themselves as non-readers. Results are interpreted within a sociocultural framework to understand learning and motivation; the discussion includes suggestions for improving teaching practices.
TECLAS: A Reading Comprehension Intervention for Chilean Deaf Adolescents
Deaf and hard of hearing students' opportunities for learning in a regular secondary school in Chile: Teacher practices and beliefs
This study aimed to analyze the learning context of deaf and hard of hearing (D/HH) students in a Chilean high school, in which 50 D/HH students (7th to 12th grade) attend classes together with hearing classmates. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with seven high school teachers and five deaf education teachers, to explore their practices and beliefs regarding teaching D/HH students in regular classrooms. Ten classroom observations were also carried out in classes with and without the presence of a deaf education teacher. Interview data were analyzed using qualitative content analysis. Class observations enabled a better understanding of the context in which D/HH students and their teachers interact daily. Results from interview analysis provided information of teachers’ beliefs about D/HH students; regular teachers and deaf education teachers’ perceptions of the roles they play in students’ learning; accommodations made for D/HH students; and facilitators and barriers for teaching in classes with D/HH students. High school teachers’ report of their difficulties to teach D/HH students and their need to rely on deaf education teachers in the classroom was corroborated by classroom observations, which showed that most D/HH students were unable to follow the class in absence of special teacher’s support, and regular teachers had problems communicating with them. D/HH students’ opportunities for learning are highly restricted in such environment. Implications for educational inclusion policies and teacher preparation programs are discussed.
When "inclusion" jeopardizes the learning opportunities of deaf students: The case of Chile
Deaf education in Chile has made important progress during the past 30 years, particularly during the past decade. However, many of these achievements have brought new problems and challenges. This chapter gives an overview of the paths followed by educational policy, school practices, and research in deaf education. The authors’ review of official documents and published research was enriched by the voices of eight key informants connected to deaf education. From the analysis of all the material gathered, they identified several important issues, such as the tension between policies that promote the education of deaf students in regular schools and those that acknowledge the importance of sign language in deaf education. They also included some proposals for further research and for moving forward in educational policy and practices, with a focus on the important role deaf adults can play in these processes.