Integrating a cultural-historical activity theory [CHAT] analysis to demystify the literary text utilisation in an Indonesian primary school context

ABSTRACT

Objective: This qualitative study aimed to demystify the utilisation of tools and the object in the activity system was realised by the teacher in attaining the object’s desired outcome. Method: A CHAT framework analysis was used to understand the more complex learning environment and underpin the dynamic problems raised in human research and practices. Following Engeström’s work, there were six components of analysis including subject, object and outcomes, tools, a community, the division of labour and rules of an activity system. The data were collected through observation, semi-structured interviews and photo-elicitation instruments. Results: The results depict the mediated tools utilisation in the activity system employed and performed by the subject in the activity system. Other results also reveal the realisation of the object in the activity system was done to achieve the desired outcomes. Conclusions: The empirical findings in this study propose a new understanding of the effective use of mediating tools in gaining the desired outcomes in an educational context and the depiction of the involved subject’s discernment of the programme implementation as the object in the activity system.

Implication: These findings offer indications towards understanding individuals and their social entities in the educational context through CHAT analysis.

KEYWORDS:

• Activity theory
• cultural-historical activity theory (CHAT)
• early childhood education
• literary texts

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Additional information

Funding

This work was supported by Kementerian Pendidikan, Kebudayaan, Riset, dan Teknologi (KEMENDIKBUDRISTEK); Balai Pembiayaan Pendidikan Tinggi (BPPT) in collaboration with Kementerian Keuangan (KEMENKEU); Lembaga Pengelola Dana Pendidikan (LPDP), under Grant [number 00932/J5.2.3/BPI.06/9/2022].