Learning by Observing and Pitching In: Benefits and Processes of Expanding Repertoires

Academic Article

Abstract

  • To conclude this special issue of <i>Human Development</i> on Learning by Observing and Pitching In to family and community endeavors (LOPI), we argue that everyone can benefit from learning to do things in more than one way, expanding our repertoires of practice. We examine potential developmental benefits for children's collaborative initiative, alertness, and skills in perspective-taking, self-regulation, and planning, in addition to acquiring particular information and skills. To deepen our understanding of the processes involved in LOPI, we discuss further research to investigate suggestions that LOPI may routinely involve: a calm measured pace; articulate nonverbal conversation and parsimonious verbal conversation that build on shared endeavors; encouragement of appropriate behavior through narrative approaches; and assessment in support of learning to contribute to shared productive endeavors. We conclude by recommending a wider use of LOPI and argue that this way of supporting learning involves sophisticated community and individual efforts and organization.
  • Authors

  • Coppens, Andrew
  • Silva, Katie G
  • Ruvalcaba, Omar
  • Alcala, Lucia
  • Lopez, Angelica
  • Rogoff, Barbara
  • Status

    Publication Date

  • 2014
  • Published In

  • Human Development  Journal
  • Keywords

  • Children's initiative
  • Collaboration
  • Cultural differences
  • Learning by Observing and Pitching In
  • Repertoires of practice
  • Digital Object Identifier (doi)

    Start Page

  • 150
  • End Page

  • 161
  • Volume

  • 57
  • Issue

  • 2-3