Co-action of Learners: Resolved and Unresolved Issues

Experimental research into co-action of learners, its structure and its role in the formation of developmental outcomes of learning in elementary school age was directed by the internal logic of the theory and practice of learning activity created by D.B. Elkonin, V.V. Davydov and their disciples. In 1970–80s, a gap was recognized between the cooperative search for new ways to solve novel educational tasks as performed in the classroom and the basic theory employed in design of the classroom practice. To bridge this gap, two questions were answered: (1) what forms of cooperation and communication are adequate for the content of educational activities based on a theoretical generalization; (2) what is the role of collaboration with peers in shaping core learning activities. The paper describes new challenges that currently face researchers in this area and formulates hypotheses about the nature of co-action. We present the experimental evidence that the Elkonin-Davydov educational system effectively promotes and shapes co-action of learners.

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