Situated trajectories of learning in vocational training interactions

This paper investigates smaller-scale transitions that are part of the longer-term processes of subjective transformation and adaptation to new professional competencies for learners in the field of vocational education. On the conceptual level, it proposes to view transitions as intermediate states in situated trajectories of learning. The notion of trajectory aims to capture that (a) learning occurs through situated and highly contextualized micro activities and (b) that these activities occur within historical sequences of events, which come to form over time dynamic trajectories. The ingredients constitutive of a trajectory of learning are first defined. The notions presented are next applied to the empirical analysis of one sequence of learning, in which we show the transitions undergone by one object of knowledge as it is being taught to different apprentices in a workshop. On the theoretical plane, the paper thus proposes to view transitions as microdynamics of change. On the methodological plane, it contributes to identifying possible empirical sources and methodological frames to study micro-transitional phenomen

From Enemy Asset to National Showcase: France’s Seizure and Circulation of the Matsukata Collection (1944-1958)

Sequestered by the French State as an enemy asset in 1944, Kojiro Matsukata’s collection was used as a national showcase through exhibitions until 1958. Few catalogues were transparent as to the works’ provenance from the collection. When we map and visualize this historical information, a significant contrast appears between the “real” circulation of artworks, as recorded in governmental archives, and the official circulation listed in catalogues. This discrepancy points to a propaganda effort in such a way as to bolster an artistic narrative that was key to French national pride, and studying it can further explain why the French decided to retain certain artworks for their own public collections and to “gift” the others back to Japan

Cómo aprenden los profesores a partir de vídeos de alumnos

Este estudio de caso se sitúa en el ámbito de la formación inicial de maestros. Examina cómo profesores de física y química analizan extractos de vídeos de alumnos, grabados en clase durante una actividad de investigación científica. Los extractos seleccionados para esta formación permiten estudiar los conocimientos puestos en práctica por los alumnos y el desarrollo de diferentes fases de su razonamiento. Los datos analizados para este estudio se obtuvieron durante una sesión de formación y son grabaciones de vídeo de dos equipos de dos profesores así como su producción escrita. Los resultados de este estudio permiten seguir la evolución de la postura de sendos profesores y muestran una evolución global de ésta al pasar de la evaluación al análisis y la comprensión de los intercambios entre los alumnos.This case study was carried out in the inital teachers'training Framework. It investigates how physics abd chemistry teachers analyse video extracts of students recorded in classroom Turing inquiry-oriented activities. The selected extracts allow the teachers to study the Turing inquiry-oriented activities. The selected extracts allow the teachers to study the student approaches, in particular the elements of knowledge envolved in students' dialogues and their reasoning phases. The data analysed in his study were collected during a teachers' training session and they consists of video recording of two teachers teams and of their written productions. The results of this case study allows the researchers to follow the evolution of each teacher's posture and their global evolution going from assessing to analysing and understanding students' exchanges and written productions

Skiing, Cheese Fondue and Swiss Watches: Analogical Discourse in Vocational Training Interactions

When trainers or teachers in the field of initial vocational education explain abstract notions, refer to technical objects or emphasize the specificities of technical skills, they often call forth concepts and practices different from those that are directly salient in the training situations in which they engage. The aim of this paper is to contribute to a better understanding of the empirical realities associated with such phenomena by promoting a discursive and interactional approach of what we propose to term "analogical discourse”. Considering that analogies are performed and shared trough language and speech, we propose that concepts and methodological tools borrowed from the field of linguistics can be profitably applied to the analysis of analogical discourse. Not only can they reveal the dynamic and collective nature of analogies as they are performed, disseminated and sometimes negotiated amongst participants, but they can also help reflect about the complexities of vocational learning as it takes place in specific material, practical and socio-cultural environments. From that standpoint, the paper proposes to see analogies not only as related to conceptual development and cognitive dimensions of learning, but as a substantial contribution to the social, cultural and relational dimensions of i

En de tendres et défunts jours

Pontacq, 10 mars 2010 Cher ami Gérard, Fidèle à l’Empereur, chaque année dans les premiers jours de mars, je célèbre en esprit son retour de l’Ile d’Elbe. Et pour cela, je fais choix d’un livre digne de l’accompagner dans sa marche vers Paris. Rappelez-vous : « L’Aigle, avec les couleurs nationales, volera de clocher en clocher, jusqu’aux tours de Notre-Dame » – et c’est aussi beau de mouvement et d’étendue que la page où Rimbaud (et peut-être s’en souvenait-il ?) se peindra devant nous, tend..

Tumor necrosis factor antagonists in the treatment of pyoderma gangrenosum, acne and suppurative hidradenitis (PASH) syndrome

The clinical triad of pyoderma gangrenosum (PG), acne and suppurative hidradenitis (HS) has been described under the acronym PASH syndrome and is considered to represent a distinct entity in the group of autoinflammatory diseases. It is a fairly new, only recently recognized disorder with a limited number of reported cases and without defined treatment recommendations. We aimed to summarize currently available data on the use of tumor necrosis factor (TNF) antagonists in the management of PASH syndrome and report on our own experience with the use of adalimumab in a patient presenting with this specific constellation of clinical signs and symptoms. Among the 11 cases identified in the literature, infliximab and adalimumab were the most commonly used agents, both exhibiting favorable effects in the majority of, but not all, patients. This was particularly evident in terms of relatively rapid remission of PG whereas HS lesions seemed to be more resistant to treatment. In our patient, adalimumab monotherapy resulted in a remarkable and sustained remission, although significant improvement of HS lesions was observed only from week 16 of therapy onwards. In summary, TNF antagonists are a promising treatment for PASH; however, conclusions regarding the choice of a specific agent, optimal dosing or use in combination with other treatment modalities cannot yet be drawn. </p