Using activity theory to explain how a student learns ‎in an internationalised classroom ‎from a sociocultural ‎perspective

Abstract

—This paper focuses on mediation, which is one of the concepts developed by Vygotsky under the umbrella of sociocultural theory. It also draws on activity theory as a theoretical framework to understand the learning experiences undertaken by an international student engaged in a 12-month programme in the UK for one year. This study adopted a qualitative approach; which involved conducting a semi-structured interview with the participant to provide an in-depth understanding of how tools and artefacts in culture and in wider society mediated the process of learning and development. Activity theory helped elucidate how this process was facilitated by socialising with others and through mediational tools. This paper identified three areas where dynamic and complex social activities took place: speaking English, attending class on time, and critical thinking.