Mental actions and the problems of their formation by stages: following Galperin and Talizina

Abstract

The article revises conception of formation of the action by stages as one of the most significant contributions of P.Ya. Galperin and N.F. Talizina for psychology. According to A.I. Podolsky, this conception might be understood in two ways: 1) in a broad way as general psychological conception and 2) in a straight way as conception of the process of teaching and learning according to activity theory. The authors of the article propose to consider the union of these two conceptual possibilities as a general methodological proposal for the study of development. The article analyses the possibility for usage of these methodology in a broad way, which might include modes of positive development together with developmental difficulties. This methodology might be useful also in cases of necessity for creation and implementation of alternative ways for development as in cases of negative functional state of central nervous system. The authors propose the necessity of revision of the stages of formation of the action and of its structural components. The article opens the question about types of actions, which might be considered during formation process, such as practical and intellectual actions. The authors discuss the usefulness of this psychological conception for the methods of assessment, correction and teaching, which conduct of development of the child.