La tesis plantea la necesidad de dotar de contenidos educativos las prácticas de acción social, de manera que los receptores de la acción socioeducativa puedan capacitarse y aumentar su autonomía en la resolución de los problemas sociales, así como mejorar las condiciones de vida de su entorno.

Since the mid 90s, an increasing number of researchers have adopted a sociocultural theory (SCT) of mind to investigate the social and cognitive functions of language during learner-learner interaction (Lantolf & Thorne, 2007). Researchers from an SCT perspective have identified that first languages (L1s) serve important cognitive functions (Alegría de la Colina & García Mayo, 2009; Storch & Aldosari, 2010). Swain and colleagues (Swain, 1995; Swain & Lapkin, 1995, 1998) have also illustrated that languaging, a form of verbalization, facilitates the completion of complex linguistic tasks which leads to second language (L2) development (Swain, Brooks, & Tocalli-Beller, 2002). Moreover, researchers have found that task type impacts language development (Storch & Aldosari, 2010; Storch & Wigglesworth, 2003; Swain & Lapkin, 2001). Due to the growing number of multilingual learners in the world today (Hammarberg, 2010), researchers need to expand the scope of the research to include the role(s) of native and nonnative languages on third language (L3) development. Thus, the purpose of the current multiple case study was to investigate the specific mediating functions of multilingual learners’ languages during four types of collaborative tasks and to explore the relationship between languaging and L3 development. A 16-week classroom-based study was conducted in a university French as a foreign language classroom in Mexico with four focal participants. The language produced during learner-learner interaction was examined using three types of analysis: (1) each turn was coded for language and for their specific functions; (2) each Language-Related Episode (LRE) was coded for type and for resolution; and (3) accuracy on individual tailor-made posttest items. Findings uncovered a complex picture of task type effects on the specific mediating functions of language as well as complementary functions of L1 and L3 mediation. Results from the analysis of LREs show that task type impacts the occurrence and resolution of LREs. Accuracy scores from the posttests suggest that L1 and L3 mediation promotes L3 development. Findings are in line with the focal participants’ beliefs. The findings that languages serve various social and cognitive functions during task completion are discussed in light of current ideas from an SCT perspective.

“IF I AM LOSING THEM, I’M GOING TO CHANGE. SO THAT’S WHAT WE DID!”: THIRD GRADE TEACHERS CONTEMPLATE THE LITERACY NEEDS OF DIVERSE STUDENTS WITHIN A TEACHER STUDY GROUP by Megan A. Nason According to Birchak, Connor, Crawford, Kahn, Kaser, Turner, & Short (1998), Fang, Fu, & Lamme (2004), Kennedy & Sheil (2010), and Wiliam (2008), teacher study groups can provide a supportive and collaborative professional development environment. The purpose of this study was to examine the professional development experiences of three third grade teachers working with culturally, linguistically, and economically diverse (CLED) students in a high-needs school as they participated in a teacher study group. The adoption of national standards and pressures for all students to achieve high standardized test scores in math and reading due to Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP) requirements mandated by the No Child Left Behind Act (2001) resulted in increased stress, anxiety, and uncertainty for the teachers participating in this study. The following research questions guided this qualitative, ethnographic case study: (1) In what ways does participation in a teacher study group impact elementary teachers’ knowledge, beliefs, and understandings when teaching culturally, linguistically, and economically diverse students in a high-needs school? (2) In what ways do teachers’ literacy practices shift as a result of engaging in teacher study groups focused on issues related to culturally, linguistically and economically diverse student populations? Bronfenbrenner’s (1979; 1994) ecological models, Vygotsky’s (1978; 1986) sociocultural theory, and Ruddell and Unrau’s (2004) sociocognitive reading model served as theoretical frameworks that informed this naturalistic inquiry. Through constant comparative analysis (Glaser and Strauss, 1967) of data collected through pre- and post-interviews, bi-weekly teacher study group meetings, and classroom observations, the teachers’ knowledge, beliefs, and understandings about how culturally, linguistically, and economically diverse (CLED) students learn and develop literacy skills were explored. The findings of this study demonstrate how teacher study groups can provide teachers with a safe space to build trusting relationships so that they can discuss school and classroom-related uncertainties, vulnerabilities, frustrations and successes. Shifts in enacted curriculum, instruction, and beliefs occurred as the teachers in this study attempted to negotiate their beliefs about how CLED children learn through engaging in conversations related to integrated curriculum, higher-order thinking, inquiry-based learning, literacy instruction, literacy development, and the diverse needs of their students.

In this essay I examine if socio cultural theory is present for teachers when pupils and students are using computers in class, especially when using blogs as a tool for learning. The aim of the essay is also to examine if blogs among pupils in class can promote peer support, co-operation and reflective dialogue, and in that case in what way. The essay consists of two studies, one small interview study and one literature study.  The interview study is made with the qualitative method phenomenographic analysis, presenting four Swedish teachers who have much experience using blogs in education. The aim of the literature study where some national and international research studies of relevance are presented, is to broaden the perspective. The result of the interview study shows that a socio cultural theory is highly present among the teachers who already use blogs in education. In addition, those teachers experience that the blog in the classroom supports dialogue and co-operation among the pupils.  In contrast, the literature study shows that most teachers in Sweden who made their pupils work with computers in classroom seem to let their student work alone, without guiding them and without creating co-operation or dialogue in the classroom. Furthermore the literature study shows that there are many things teachers can do to improve their student to co-operate and reflect critically on a blog. One example is teachers in Taiwan who used themselves as role models by reflecting on their own teaching when blogging openly in front of their students. This encouraged their students to reflect critically concerning their own development.

The film <em>Der Untergang</em> (2004), directed by Oliver HIRSCHBIEGEL and written and produced by Bernd EICHINGER, is based on Joachim FEST's historical monograph <em>Der Untergang</em> (2002) and Traudl JUNGE's and Melissa MÜLLER's <em>Bis zur letzten Stunde</em> (2003). Taking place in April, 1945, the movie depicts the last days of Adolf Hitler and his staff in the 'Führerbunker'. The appearance of the film sparked wide-spread controversy concerning the propriety of Germans illuminating this most controversial aspect of their history. Specifically, the debate centred on the historical accuracy of the film and the dangers associated with the filmmakers' goal of portraying Hitler not as a caricature or one-sided figure but rather as a complete human being whose troubles and human qualities might well earn the sympathy of the viewers. <br /><br /> After surveying a variety of films that portray Adolf Hitler, the thesis analyses <em>Der Untergang</em> by focusing first on the cinematic and narrative aspects of the film itself and then on the figure of Hitler. It aims to demonstrate that the presentation of Hitler as a complex character reflects the circumstances of the film's time and culture. In particular, this thesis discusses two main aspects: first, it describes a figure of Hitler constructed in the film and conveyed to the viewers; second, it demonstrates that the film's construction of Hitler is embedded in the sociocultural context of the film's creation, thereby establishing that this is a Hitler for contemporary German society and the current state of German culture's reckoning with its fascist past. <br /><br /> The results of the analysis, in particular the depiction of Hitler and the representation of death and suicide, demonstrate that the film presents a multiple point of view. The film also faces the problematic issue of representing history adequately. The consideration of the German sociocultural context brings up some reasons that can explain the increased interest in the personal side of the perpetrators and especially in the figure of Hitler. <br /><br /> Finally, this thesis maintains that <em>Der Untergang</em> gives a complex but subsequently inconsistent picture of Adolf Hitler because it gets entangled by the attempt to be informative and entertaining at the same time. Though the film cannot replace historical investigation and analysis, it still informs Germans about Adolf Hitler and reflects how their society deals with its own troubled past.

The purpose of this study was to find out how SISU reason about cohesion with respect to its own operations, as sports consultants. There is no previous research on how sports consultants using cohesion as a pedagogical tool. However, there is research on cohesion linked to sport. Earlier research sees cohesion as a multidimensional phenomenon. This means that multiple factors determine the experience of cohesion. Such factors include how how-knit the team or group are, individual and joint objectives and that the individuals share common experiences. Previous research also shows that cohesion can be understood only when one understands the context in which the team or group is in.  SISU is a sports educational organization, actively working with the development of sports clubs. Through them sports clubs learn the importance of cohesion in sport. SISU comprises 21 districts and is available in all municipalities from north to south. By its geographical coverage and the large number of sports they are in contact with, they are an influential factor that should not be underestimated. The socio-cultural perspective sees learning as an ongoing process and that people learn and absorb new knowledge both consciously and unconsciously. From a sociocultural perspective conveyed SISU's vision of cohesion directly and indirectly to the sport. The results of this study show that SISU uses several intellectual tools to increase understanding of the importance of cohesion. These tools are also used to create a greater cohesion in sports. The results also show that SISU puts greatest emphasis on the importance of cohesion in sports. For SISU is the cohesion everything. Our conclusion is that SISU talking about cohesion through a series of concepts. These concepts include team spirit, community, group cohesion, group dynamics, friend and family spirit. Our interpretation is that SISU's Sports Consultants talk about cohesion through these concepts and that cohesion is strongly linked to them. These concepts can be seen as dimensions of cohesion. But a specific definition of what the concept of cohesion is not found. / Syftet med studien är att belysa hur idrottskonsulenter på SISU använder begreppet sammanhållning som ett pedagogiskt verktyg i sina kontakter med idrottsföreningar. Det finns ingen tidigare forskning på hur idrottskonsulenter använder sammanhållning som pedagogiskt verktyg i sitt arbete. Däremot finns det forskning på sammanhållning kopplat till idrott. Av de studier vi tagit del av på området ses sammanhållning som ett multidimensionellt fenomen. Det innebär att flera faktorer avgör upplevelsen av sammanhållning. Till dessa faktorer hör hur sammansvetsad laget eller gruppen är, individuella och gemensamma målsättningar och att individerna delar gemensamma upplevelser. Tidigare forskning visar också att sammanhållning kan förstås först när man förstår den kontext som laget eller gruppen befinner sig i.SISU som är en idrottsutbildande organisation, arbetar aktivt med utveckling inom idrottsföreningar. Genom dem lär idrottsföreningarna om sammanhållningens betydelse för idrotten. SISU består av 21 distriktsförbund och finns i alla kommuner från norr till söder. Genom sin geografiska täckning och det stora antalet idrottsföreningar de står i förbindelse med, är de en påverkansfaktor som inte bör underskattas. Det sociokulturella perspektivet ser lärandet som en ständigt pågående process och att människan lär och tar till sig ny kunskap både medvetet och omedvetet. Sett ur ett sociokulturellt perspektiv förmedlas SISU´s syn på sammanhållning direkt och indirekt till idrotten. Resultatet av studien visar att SISU använder flera intellektuella redskap för att öka förståelsen för sammanhållningens betydelse. Dessa redskap används också för skapa en bättre sammanhållning inom idrottsföreningar. Resultatet visar också att SISU lägger största vikt vid sammanhållningens betydelse för idrottsföreningar. För SISU är sammanhållningen allt! Vår slutsats är att SISU talar om sammanhållning genom en rad begrepp. Till dessa begrepp hör laganda, gemenskap, gruppsammanhållning, gruppdynamik, kompisanda och familjär. Vår tolkning är att SISU´s idrottskonsulenter pratar kring sammanhållning genom dessa begrepp och att sammanhållning är starkt kopplat till dem. Dessa begrepp kan ses som dimensioner av sammanhållning. Men en specifik definition om vad begreppet sammanhållning är finns inte.

Bilingual education in the United States has been at the forefront of educational politics and debates since its inception. Arguments over language of instruction and program goals overshadow the deeper philosophical, political and societal issues rooted at the heart of bilingual education. This purpose of this study was to present a critical view of the issues impacting a small Central Texas school district?s early childhood bilingual program. Over the course of a year, I conducted a focus group interview followed by individual interviews with two preschool and two kindergarten Spanish bilingual teachers. I collected field notes and observational data on site for two years. Based in grounded theory, the data dictated the focus of the study. The open coding process used to analyze the focus group interview data uncovered the foundational themes for this study. The individual interviews were analyzed using open coding, confirming and elaborating on the themes. Field notes and observational data were used to triangulate the data. The themes were: philosophical and theoretical foundations, politics and policies, and social and cultural issues. Through the lens of the data, I examined the impact of No Child Left Behind, Reading First, and the corresponding Texas regulations. The participants found the testing requirements to be distracting from their teaching. They believed the requirements, particularly for assessment, to be inappropriate and of limited use in their classrooms. From a sociocultural perspective, I discovered discrimination and segregation, but the teacher participants never opened a dialogue about these practices with each other or their administrator. The bilingual classes were isolated, given inferior and inappropriate materials. The school's culture was one of assimilation, not diversity. Finally, I examined the underlying issues that impacted this bilingual education program and the implications for further research. There is a need to conduct further research into bilingual teacher education, including alternative certification and continuing education, the hidden curriculum and bilingual education and empowerment of bilingual teachers through dialogue. Bilingual education holds the promise of closing the gaps in education, but further research must include the critical areas of influence including philosophy, politics and sociocultural issues, not just program goals and language acquisition.

This case study focuses on the influence of certain sociocultural factors on the ability of adolescent girls to fulfill their potentials. Specifically, the purpose of this research is to advance an alternative perspective on the relationship between the sociocultural influences of friendship, mother/daughter relationship, school experience, and body image and a loss of potential among adolescent girls from a historical, poststructural, postmodern-feminist perspective. The dissertation is presented in the form of narrative from both the author’s and girls’ and women’s perspectives in order to seek a rich and thick description. Throughout the study, the author integrates moments from her own journey during adolescence with the young girls and their mothers or grandmothers encountering the oftentimes overwhelming negative sociocultural challenges existing today. The data consist of interviews with four girls and four women; interviews with two school personnel; and observations covering 7 weeks of guided discussion groups. Personal stories are closely examined with current and in-depth research to produce valuable insight and recommendations linking sociocultural factors and potentiality among adolescent girls. In general, these data contribute to an existing body of knowledge as well as advance educational theory regarding adolescent girls and potentiality. Moreover, these findings bolster the argument that, although realistic approaches to create necessary change require a certain resignation to the forces that exist within our culture, educational psychologists will increase the discipline’s impact on students by conducting comprehensive research that creates and supports genuine efforts to teach girls effective strategies on ways to not relinquish control to relentless, disingenuous sociocultural pressures. The case study indicates that, although many positive gains have been made to support young girls, there remain many obstacles as well.

<p>Reading and understanding literature does not necessarily have to be an individual act. The aim of this essay is to investigate what happens when six students read a text by Kazuo Ishiguro A Family Supper and then discuss it in a communicative situation. The essay bases its ideas on the sociocultural theory and the reader-response theory. The sociocultural perspective argues that people develop and progress during social interaction, moreover by communicating with other people and by being inspired and subsequently educated through taking part in different social contexts. My idea with this essay is to observe a literary discussion in a group. The observation emphasizes both the individual contribution to the literary discussion and the function of the group. By analyzing the participation of the individual students, I reached the conclusion that the students deal with literature in many different ways. Some focus only on the text and the plot, others discuss social issues in connection to the text and some only respond to the others’ arguments. When studying the group, I looked at the balance in the group, the turn taking between the members and the level of participation. The reader-response theory bases its idea on the reader and the text and the fact that they are connected in a mutual transaction. Every reader brings his or her experiences to the understanding of the text and thereby a text can have multiple alternative interpretations considering the amount of readers. The analysis section in this essay consists of several parts, such as an individual reflection, a group discussion and an individual evaluation.</p>

Kunskapsbedömningar i träningsskola ska utgå från en läroplan utformad specifikt för elever i träningsskola. Den ska utgå från elevens förutsättningar. Syftet med denna studie är att låta lärare i träningsskola beskriva hur de utför kunskapsbedömningar. I studien beskriver lärare sitt arbete med kunskapsbedömningar i träningsskola. Studien beskriver också vad lärare använder för verktyg och vilken betydelse de anser att kunskapsbedömningar i träningskola har. Studien bygger på kvalitativa intervjuer med sex lärare som arbetar i träningsskola. Analysen är gjord utifrån sociokulturell teori. Resultatet av studien visar att elever i träningskola har behov av en egen läroplan. Studien visar också att formuleringar av målen i kursplanen är viktiga för att kunskapsbedömningarna ska ha så hög validitet som möjligt. Lärarna bör också ha en helhetsbild av eleven och möjlighet till ett gemensamt kommunikationssätt för att öka validiteten. / Knowledge assessment in special school for pupils with severe learning disabilities shall be based on a curriculum designed specifically for this type of school. The assessment shall be made taking into account each pupil´s individual prerequisites. The purpose of this study is to let teachers in special school describe how they make knowledge assessment, what implements they use and what importance knowledge assessment in special school has, according to them. The study is based on qualitative interviews with six teachers working in special school. The analysis was then made from sociocultural theory. The results show that pupils in special school need their own curriculum. The results also show that the wording of the curriculum is important to get as much validity as possible of knowledge assessment. Teachers should also have a complete picture of the pupil and a common approach to communication to increase the validity.