Abstract

In the current study, we used Activity Theory as the conceptual framework for exploring students’ perceptions
about how learning in school is affected by the following five elements: Object, Tools, Rules, Community and
Division of Labor. Data were collected by administrating a semi-structured questionnaire among 70 junior high
school students and interviewing a sample of 25 participants. The findings showed that the students positively
evaluated the Object and Division of Labor categories, but appreciated less the contribution of Tools, Rules and
Community to learning. This indicts that current schooling offers only little a constructivist-learning
environment in which students interact with Tools, Rules and Community, and take an active part in forming the
learning environment, as derived from Activity Theory.

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