Envisioning Competence: Learning, Problem Solving, and Children at Work in the Exploratory Bicycle Shop

摘要: Author(s): Hammond, Charles Florian | Advisor(s): Gifford, Bernard R. Abstract: This study examines the conceptual learning and cognitive processes of schoolchildren engaged in problem solving activities a non-school, workplace setting known as exploratory bicycle shop. The bike shop is commercial shop: a) that has been adapted for combined retail educational purposes b) where middle-school high-school age students participate mechanics explorers or, more formally, apprentices. It provides multi-generational, economically productive environment young participants engage culturally meaningful at deep levels affective involvement. In such setting, encounter, frame, solve mechanical, mathematical, interpersonal situations an authentic part normal, daily operation To help reveal how apprentices access intelligence through thinking discursive practices, I employ visual anthropology (VA) methodology. VA was designed to collect analyze ethnographic data ways effectively capture informants' true motives practices by subordinating verbal stream focusing instead on visually available aspects what informants do. Specifically, videotape apprentices' actions during repair activity order create record their over course interaction with other participants. Through situ dialogue clinical interviews then try determine changes relate both development technical competencies.In analysis, findings emerge manner different from traditional studies since very idea studying culture subjected critical self-examination about research degree which faithfully represents culture's voices rather than imposing its own voice, intentionally or not. One methodological finding this entire process inquiry--from literature search theoretical analysis collection analysis--constitutes itself. That showed, example, quality problems encounter experiences can extent learning. authentic, naturally occurring encountered appears provide competence higher gained prefabricated problems. A closely related tended correlate positively ability judge type knowing--abstract concrete--is appropriate any given situation. also found relies student's framing competence, observation corroborates Hutchins Lave. Another open up new conceiving were previously unavailable using analytic methods. ethic aims understand attitudes beliefs emic level, level informant, trying collected informant series direct indirect interventions.