Résumés
Abstract
In this article, I argue that a concentrated focus on everyday informal learning about unions is critical not only to re-thinking union education programs, but to the overall project of union renewal. The article offers, by way of example, an inquiry into the grievance system as a routine (and central) union practice and a key site of informal learning. This inquiry is directed by cultural historical activity theory (CHAT) which provides method, tools, and theoretical building blocks for better understanding everyday learning. In addition, I argue, CHAT presents a powerful pedagogical tool for educators, leaders, and activists who are concerned with the challenge of intervening critically and strategically into everyday learning and everyday practices of unions and their members.
Résumé
Dans cet article, j’affirme qu’accorder une attention particulière aux apprentissages informels réalisés au quotidien au sujet des associations syndicales est essentiel non seulement en ce qui a trait à la refonte des programmes de formation syndicale, mais aussi dans une perspective globale de revitalisation syndicale. Afin d’illustrer ce principe, l’article propose une incursion au sein du système de traitement des griefs en tant que pratique routinière (et centrale) et comme lieu propice aux apprentissages informels. Cet examen est effectué à l’aide de la théorie de l’activité culturelle et historique, théorie qui offre une méthode, des outils et des assises théoriques permettant une meilleure compréhension des apprentissages quotidiens. De plus, je soutiens que la théorie de l’activité, influencée par les contextes culturel et historique, constitue un outil pédagogique puissant pour les formateurs, les porte-paroles et les activistes vivant le défi d’intervenir de manière critique et stratégique dans les apprentissages et les pratiques de tous les jours des organisations syndicales et de leurs membres.
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Parties annexes
Biographical note
SUE CARTER is a labour educator on staff with Unifor. She is currently pursuing her PhD at OISE, University of Toronto in the Sociology of Equity Studies in Education and is actively involved in the Centre for Studies in Education and Work. Her research focuses on identity, gender and emotion in informal workplace learning and social movement learning.
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Parties annexes
Note biographique
SUE CARTER travaille comme formatrice syndicale pour Unifor. Elle complète actuellement son doctorat en sociologie et études de l’équité en éducation à l’Institut d’études pédagogiques de l’Ontario de l’Université de Toronto et s’implique activement au sein du Centre for Studies in Education and Work. Ses intérêts de recherche portent sur l’identité, les hommes et les femmes ainsi que les émotions présentes dans les apprentissages informels réalisés en milieu de travail. Elle s’intéresse également à l’apprentissage qui a lieu en contexte de mouvements sociaux.