Exploring Learning in the Animal Protection Society of a University with Perspectives on Activity Theory

• Main Authors: Kuo, Hsin-Yu, 郭欣妤
• Other Authors: Chen, Su-Yen
• Format: Others
• Language: zh-TW
• Published: 2014
• Online Access: http://ndltd.ncl.edu.tw/handle/75888102314334676509

碩士 === 國立清華大學 === 學習科學研究所 === 102 === Though animal welfare awareness has improved in recent years, the problems of stray animals in Taiwan haven’t solved yet. Numerous animal protection societies successively established in the universities in Taiwan , concerning about stray animals. This study was a case study of Carelife Club in a national university. The purpose of this study was to explore how club members learn in difficulties. By observations, text analysis, and focus group interview, the study showed the learning background, latent problems and the learning approaches of the Carelife Club under the framework of activity theory and the concept of organizational learning . The objective of club development could be divided into three parts: (1) taking care of stray animals, (2) improving and sustaining the operation of the club, and (3) dealing with problems. The club members included novices, cadres, and seniors. The study also uncovered the contradictions, which might obstruct the development of animal protection societies in universities. The contradictions were the unharmonious relationship between the club and the school authority, stress from seniors, and the problems with information management of the club. Besides, contingencies, questions and challenges from external community, and avoiding wasting resource were the issues club members should always confront with. Club members learned how to achieve their goals and overcome the contradictions in the process of practicing, questioning and discussing with each other. Last, based on the findings, the study offered some suggestions and implication of participation in animal protection societies in universities.