I don’t know Michael Thomas, Professor at Nagoya University of Commerce & Business in Japan, but I intend to. I want to thank him for the favorable and thoughtful review of Vygotsky at Work and Play that he wrote for the British Journal of Educational Technology.  He says so well what I was trying to do in writing the book! The review begins…

The influence of Lev Vygotsky’s thought, particularly in relation to social constructivism and socio- cultural theory, has become one of the most prominent methodologies associated with a reorientation of learning in the digital age. This book examines the development and impact of Vygotsky’s thought using an engaging first person narrative and personal account, and examines how it has been applied to a range of learning situations both inside and outside of traditional educational contexts. Although this is not a conventional academic introduction to Vygotsky’s thought then, key concepts such as the zone of proximal development (and the author’s idea of the zone of emotional development) are introduced, and Holzman skillfully interweaves theory and practice throughout the book’s six chapters.

You can read the complete review at the Reviews page

“It is not only a Vygotskian atmosphere where professionals share different backgrounds, but a zone where you may improve your human skills and to help others to perform a better world.” –Ignacio Dalton, educational researcher, Buenos Aires Argentina

“The class has been such a wonderful support system, helping me to deepen my consultancy with the youth and staff I work with in non-profit organizations.  The group has inspired me to be more creative in my work, to take more risks, and to build more.  It has been an honor to be part of such a group that is dedicated to human development, even when life, social, and political circumstances challenge us.”–Kim Sabo Flores, evaluation consultant, Brooklyn NY

“The International Class has made me learn to challenge some of my old beliefs and to peel off the rigid self image that we all try to portray in our life. The cultural and economic differences of all the countries of the student has made us get an even broader viewpoint on all the topics which were discussed.”–Ishita Sanyal, psychologist, Calcutta India

The International Class is a course of study in postmodern and activity-theoretic approaches to human development and learning. Emphasis is on social therapeutics, a methodology utilized in diverse mental health, educational, youth development and community organizing settings in the US and internationally.

I began this program in the fall of 2003 and I lead it with a great faculty. We provide a unique opportunity for practitioners and scholars from the US and countries around the world to study together, learn the Institute’s cutting edge developmental methodology, and build ties and support for themselves and their communities.

A creative playground and postmodern academy, participants create a dynamic zone of development in which they can engage the philosophical, political and psychological questions emerging from their practice.

The ten-month program combines residencies in New York City and seminars, supervision and project development sessions conducted online. Students come together to work with Institute faculty and others in the broader development community and advance their programs and research.

Residencies. The International Class meets at the Institute three times during the academic year (two six-day and one twelve-day residency period) to work together as a group with Institute faculty and associates. Site visits, observations, participant observations and experiential learning activities supplement daily seminar activity.

At Home. In between residencies, students study the social therapeutic method in relation to socio-cultural activity theory, theories of performance, postmodernism, group process and community development. Learning formats include on-line seminars, mentoring, dialogues with guest colleagues of the Institute, supervision and conference calls with faculty and mentors.

The International Class is cross-disciplinary and open to practitioners and scholars with a broad range of educational and life experiences—and a passion for innovation. Applications for the 2009-2010 program will be accepted through July 2009. Tuition is $3200. A limited number of full and partial scholarships are available.

For more information, including dates, applications and scholarship forms, contact me! To read more about the program, go to http://www.eastsideinstitute.org/internationalclass/index.html

I’m excited about a new course offering of the East Side Institute, where I am privileged to be director. It’s entitled, “Conversations with a Black Minority: Postmodern Marxists in Dialogue about a New and Innovative Approach to “Black” Psychology,” and it will be led by four powerful African American women colleagues of mine from whom I have learned immeasurably: Lenora Fulani, Alvaader Frazier, Pam Lewis and Gloria Strickland (bios below).

During the five weekly sessions, they will “unpack” the title of their course—sharing how they understand themselves as a “Black Minority;” in what ways they are postmodern Marxists; what that looks like in their work as psychologists, educators and community activists; why they think such an approach is good for the development of black communities and of all people; and what the challenges are in light of “black psychology” — both the psychology of the black community and that of academics who identify and work with a black psychology. 

“Conversations …” meets Wednesday evenings, 6:30-8:00 PM February 25-March 25 at the East Side Institute. For more information or to register http://www.acteva.com/booking.cfm?bevaid=175846

I plan to write about the course here each week. 

Lenora Fulani is a leading youth development specialist who co-founded the All Stars Project in 1981. One of her current projects is Operation Conversation: Cops and Kids, a series of workshops that uses performance to facilitate dialogues between New York City police and Black youth. Dr. Fulani earned her Ph.D. in developmental psychology from the City University of New York. As America’s leading Black independent, she has twice run for President of the United States.

Alvaader Frazier, Esq. is a long time community organizer. She received her law degree from Western State University College of Law in Fullerton, California and has worked as a human rights attorney. Ms. Frazier is also a prolific poet, writer and patron of the arts.

Pamela Lewis is the Director of Youth Programs for the All Stars Project. At the All Stars she also serves as national producer of the All Stars Talent Show Network and co- director of the Joseph A. Forgione Development School for Youth.

Gloria Strickland is the Director of the All Stars Project of New Jersey. Prior to heading up the All Stars, Ms. Strickland was the executive director of the Somerset Community Action (SCAP) and the Somerset County Head Start programs. She has a Masters degree in education from New York University.