This paper presents an introduction to the sociocultural approach to mind, as outlined by James V. Wertsch. A starting point for the sociocultural approach is the claim that it takes "mediated action" as unit of analysis. From this perspective, human action typically employs cultural tools, or mediational means, that are provided by a particular sociocultural setting. The concrete use of these cultural tools involves an "irreducible tension" between active agents and items such as computers, books, language, and others. The aim of this paper is to present Wertsch's sociocultural approach as a possible theoretical framework for science teaching and for research in this area.
Wertsch, James V. Science teaching; Sociocultural theoretical referential
