The role of soci(et)al relations in a technology-rich teaching | learning setting: The case of professional development of airline pilots

Teaching and learning tend to be predominantly investigated in formal (school-like) settings; and many investigations focus on either teaching or on learning. In this study, a societal–historical activity theoretic approach is used to investigate teaching | learning (obučenie) in the context of aviation. Drawing on a large database from simulator-based pilot training and examination sessions that are followed by debriefing meetings, the analyses show when and how certain higher psychological functions exist as soci(et)al relations between instructor and instructed before appearing as a psychological characteristic of the instructed. Both immediate and relational dimensions of activity exist, making possible learning by means of active imitation (not blind copying) and articulation in conscious awareness.