ISCAR is proud to announce the formation of three new thematic sections. Thematic Sections emphasize global interests in specific themes or areas of inquiry. They are open to all ISCAR members who wish to participate in discussion and collaboration about specific areas of work which fall within ISCAR's broader remit. Our new thematic sections focus on:

• Counter-Colonial Perspectives;

• Developmental Education; and

• Psychotherapy: Co-experiencing and Jointness Research and Practice.

For more details about how to get involved, please contact the respective Thematic Section Coordinator (see below).

 

Counter-colonial perspectives

Lev Vygotsky’s socio-cultural theory of cognitive development has significantly influenced educational psychology, particularly in how social interactions shape cognitive processes. However, the traditional interpretation of Vygotsky’s work often remains embedded within Eurocentric paradigms, failing to engage with the diverse experiences of non-Western societies. This Special Interest Group (SIG) proposes to critically engage with Vygotsky’s theories from a counter-colonial perspective, incorporating the insights of Antônio Bispo dos Santos, a leader in the Brazilian quilombola movement, alongside the contributions of decolonial scholars from the Global South.

Thematic section coordinator: Monica Ferreira Lemos: monica.lemos@gmail.com

More information can be found on the section page.

Developmental Education

The section aims to facilitate communication among researchers working actively in relation to developmental education, at any educational level from preschool to adult education. Various models and approaches to developmental education have been developed since Vygotsky’s initial analyses. Consequently, a variety of theoretical and practical perspectives will be found among section members, along with a broad spectrum of interests, such as designing teaching plans, conducting teaching experiments, analyzing subject matter, and supporting professional development.

Thematic section coordinators: Seth Chaiklin <seth at c.dk> and Elina Lampert-Shepel <elina.lampert-shepel at touro.edu>

More information can be found on the section page.

Psychotherapy: Co-experiencing and Jointness Research & Practice

This study group is dedicated to exploring and advancing the integration of Cultural-Historical and Activity Theory (CHAT) into the research and practice of counseling and psychotherapy, with a special focus on the pioneering work of Professor Dr. Fyodor Vasilyuk. 

Thematic section coordinator: Fedor Shankov: fshankov@gmail.com

More information can be found on the section page.