Mind Culture and Activity

Marginality in Inquiry-Based Science Learning Contexts: The Role of Exclusion Cascades
Adams-Wiggins KR and Dancis JS
Recent science education reforms have incorporated a range of Vygotskyan-inspired theories of learning, which has been conducive to studies of learners' participation in scientific practices. Yet, these theories vary in their emphasis on local sociocultural context's relationship to broader sociohistorical context as contributors to science learning, in some cases limiting these studies' ability to challenge adaptationist tendencies. The present study examined identity and motivation processes in an inquiry science context with the goal of better historicizing these processes by describing the phenomenon of exclusion cascades in relation to two backgrounded cultural-historical processes, alienation and the social division of labor. This microgenetic case study employed videorecorded observations of two small group collaborations in 7 grade inquiry science classrooms. Exclusion cascades involve a series of peer interactions inside the group that produce a marginal position for a given group member and exceed the grain size of an interactional turn. Analysis of exclusion cascades allowed the mutual constitution of competence and belonging to be observed, highlighting an interplay between academic and peer status hierarchies in group functioning. Theoretical and practical implications are discussed with a focus on how future work can challenge adaptationism in science education.
Activity Theory Analysis of Heart Failure Self-Care
Cornet V, Voida S and Holden RJ
The management of chronic health conditions such as heart failure is a complex process emerging from the activity of a network of individuals and artifacts. This article presents an Activity Theory-based secondary analysis of data from a geriatric heart failure management study. Twenty-one patients' interviews and clinic visit observations were analyzed to uncover eight configurations of roles and activities involving patients, clinicians, and others in the sociotechnical network. For each configuration or activity pattern, we identify points of tension and propose guidelines for developing interventions for future computer-supported healthcare systems.
Relational Approaches to Community-Based Health Promotion Across Scales of Practice
Teeters LAP, Burgess LE, Escarfuller J, Cole J, Schlundt D, Singer-Gabella M and Heerman WJ
In this article, we describe a personalized approach to meeting individual and community health needs that foregrounds relational learning. This article analyzes how relational approaches to learning expand participants' objectives and result in more enduring learning. We report on mixed methods data from interviews, focus groups, surveys, and goal setting and monitoring. Analyses reveal that relationships de confianza served as a central tool in supporting participants' agency to enact change across scales of practice to promote the health of themselves, their families, and their communities.