Cultural-Historical Activity Theory (CHAT) Conference

This conference showcases research undertaken by Educational Psychologists and trainee Educational Psychologists in educational contexts using Cultural-Historical Activity Theory (CHAT) as an analytical and theoretical framework.

Topics include:

• Educational Psychologists research practice
• Care-experienced children
• Educational Psychologists service delivery to schools
• How Trainee Educational Psychologists learn at university and on placement
• Decision-making for specialist school placements.

An open discussion/Q&A session will follow the presentations and abstracts are available on the eventbrite page.

Cultural-historical activity theory

CHAT-informed approaches are now being used increasingly in educational contexts from early years through to higher education focusing upon learning, change and development at both the individual and systemic levels (Edwards, 2017; Hedegaard & Edwards, 2019; Leadbetter, 2017; Gedera & Williams, 2016). Viewed through a CHAT lens, the educational contexts within which Trainee Educational Psychologists learn, and Educational Psychologists work, can be viewed as interacting activity systems (Leadbetter, 2017).

This complex landscape can be characterised as having tensions and contradictions within and across children’s services as professionals work collaboratively to support children and families. Tensions occur around professional roles, tools and resources used, and the policy/practice/ethical frameworks that underpin professional activity. CHAT conceptual and analytical tools are useful to gain insight into how professionals understand and have a shared purpose or object of their collaborative practice, the actions undertaken and with whom, and the tools used to achieve this purpose.