When the teacher is the student: continuing education as a study activity

Abstract

This theoretical article aims to recognize manifestations of the study activity of a teacher in the process of continuing education at the Pedagogical Workshop of Mathematics. One of the focuses of the learning process in Soviet psychology is the conception of study activity, investigated by Elkonin, Davidov and Repkin, whose main component is the task of study and the main content is the appropriation of generalized modes of action, using concepts and promoting qualitative changes in psychic development. The study task is the unit between the objective of the action and the conditions for its realization and is presented as a unit of analysis of the study activity that guides the formation of theoretical thinking. In this perspective, it is considered the importance of broadening the understanding of the study activity not only for children, but also in relation to the teacher in continuing education. The teacher's study movement is influenced by actions and needs derived from the teaching activity he performs as a professional. In this sense, a teacher was monitored during the actions of the Pedagogical Workshop of Mathematics (in the first semester of 2020), a university extension project that promotes the continuing education of teachers. From this study, it was possible to recognize the manifestations of his study activity in the movement of appropriation of scientific concepts revealed by the actions and reasons triggered by the tasks of the project.