Having written nearly 10k words for my lit review I have come to a grinding halt at the point where I have to underpin my research theme with theory. Whilst the direct/transmission teaching style (rote) of the formal African and monitorial systems can be related to the work of Skinner and Behaviourism, the learning theory associated with the SOLE is not so easy to pin down.

The initial trail related to the socio-cultural work of Piaget and Vygotsky in the realm of collaborative learning. However, according to these two educational psychologists, cognitive gains are not simply a question of putting children in groups but delivering a carefully designed task focused environment based on a detailed understanding or individual and class characteristics. This has developed into a separate realm of research commonly referred to as CSCL (Computer Supported Collaborative Learning). As Sugata’s work is related to Self-Organised systems, largely practical and developed from technological inspiration rather than educational theory, it would seem that I am going to have to develop some principle of learning as a basis for SOLE experimentation. Dr David Leat has suggested that discourse analysis (G.Wells, N.Mercer, G.Cazdon, P.Scott and R.Alexander) and Reciprocal Teaching (Palincsar, Brown) may provide some incite and guidance in that direction. From an epistimological view, I also need a methodology that is sufficiently flexible to withstand the inevitable changes to approach that result from working in an unfamiliar environment. David suggested Action Research (focus on the researcher) or Design Experiments (focus on the innovation).

In relation to the context, David suggested that I review research material emanating from South Africa as a means of understanding the problems associated with the development and implementation of a progressive pedagogy within a traditional environment. He also suggested that I talk to Kate Wall regarding the capture of child voice as a means of assessing behaviour and/or affective response. Naturally, this is made more complicated when researching in a foreign environment where English is not the first language.

Progress in the Lit Review is therefore dependent on an understanding of the following;
– Discourse Analysis
– Reciprocal Teaching
– Design Experiments
– Action Research
– Progressive education in S.Africa