Germain Poizat

• PhD
• Professor at University of Geneva

The Resilience Engineering (RE) approach is conceptually strongly developed, but practitioners sometimes struggle operationalize its principles because of the strong focus on the system. This also applies to training. We argue that although the system is the unit of analysis in RE, individuals and teams should be the departure point to design effec...

This study provides a detailed account of dilemmas experienced by community organizers arising from the tension between political and educational objectives within the community organizing social action approach. We address the way these dilemmas emerge during nonviolent direct action (NDA), and the associated organizers' valuative processes. Withi...

This article explores the negotiation of safety between two distinct activity systems that operate jointly on a daily basis: train driving and railway traffic controlling. We have employed cultural-historical activity theory and an ethnographic case study of a large European passenger and freight transport company to pinpoint three different types...

The purpose of this article is to introduce a design-based research (DBR) approach developed in the field of vocational and continuing education, which is grounded in a pragmatic and phenomenologically inspired enactivist approach to activity. As a design-based methodology, our activity-centered and enactive DBR approach aims to generate knowledge...

Cet article questionne un allant-de-soi en formation par simulation : la nécessité d'un débriefing consécutif à la mise en situation simulée. Nous analysons d'abord deux principes fondamentaux du débriefing. Nous analysons ensuite des données empiriques sur l'activité et l'expérience de participants à deux types de formation par simulation dans des...

The literature on resilience training (RT) mainly focuses on long-term personal hardship, and sees resilience as a general capacity that can be applied regardless the context. However, this view of resilience is unsatisfactory when it comes to the effective management of critical situations (e.g. the Paris terrorist attacks in 2015, or the Fukushim...

Cet article traite de l’activité réflexive de formés dans un dispositif de formation conçu pour les agents de terrain de l’industrie nucléaire. Ce dispositif, nommé scénario-enquête, est le produit d’une démarche de recherche orientée par la conception, qui vise à aider les stagiaires à s’approprier les caractéristiques spatiales et fonctionnelles...

Novice and occasional crisis managers (NOCM) such as elected officials or public service managers play an essential role in civil protection. Although simulations are an important way of preparing for crisis response , conditions of simulation effectiveness for this target group are under-investigated. Specifically, high-fidelity is generally thoug...

In the context of this special issue on the course-of-experience framework, we were fortunate to receive far-reaching commentaries from a wide variety of disciplines including enaction, phenomenology, ecological psychology, ecological dynamics, cognitive anthropology and archaeology and the philosophy of mind. The result is an extraordinarily rich...

In the field of crisis management, negative capability can be understood as an individual’s or team’s ability to tolerate and accept challenging and confusing situations and search for meaning and means of action despite a high degree of indeterminacy. In this paper, we develop the conceptual, empirical and practical value of negative capability in...

This empirical study aims to account for the developmental dimension of the activity of crisis team members participating in nuclear crisis management exercises. It is part of the empirical and technological programme of the "course of action", which has a double aim: the production of knowledge on human activity and the design of training situatio...

Ce livre fait état de recherches en formation et éducation des adultes centrées sur l’analyse de l'activité et de ses transformations. Ces recherches s’intéressent en particulier aux moyens d’initier, d’accompagner ou d’infléchir ces transformations dans des visées formatives et développementales, en prenant en compte l’évolution des pratiques soci...

The article presents the course-of-experience framework and how it contributes to studying cognition in practice. The aim is twofold: (a) to argue for a phenomenologically and semiotically inspired enactivist approach to practice and cognition in practice and (b) to describe research methods that provide rigorous first-person data in relation to pr...

Many police around the world integrated simulation-based training into their programs, more particularly use-of-force simulation. The use-of-force is a core element characterizing law enforcement practices. It requires the acquisition of a wide set of knowledge, skills, and abilities (KSAs) and tactics. In this regard, simulation-based training is...

Pour simplifier, le Cours d’Action désigne la part de l’activité d’un acteur qui donne lieu à expérience et dont il peut témoigner si les conditions sont favorables. Et plus globalement, il désigne une conception particulière de l’activité humaine (individuelle et collective), des savoirs et vécus qui l’accompagnent. De cette conception découlent d...

Despite the growing use of virtual environments for training in complex industrial settings, we have little understanding of how these innovative settings transform training and trainers everyday work. This study investigates the instructional use of an industrial building’s virtual environment by expert trainers during a training session for nucle...

SUMMATIVE STATEMENT We qualitatively studied significant lived experience and strategies of humanitarian staff responding to the Covid-19 pandemic. We present a dilemma typical of the management of unruly problems in a context of resource shortage. Insights for the design of preparedness training are discussed. KEYWORDS Preparedness, emergency tra...

The “course of action” empirical and technological research program was developed in the field of ergonomics during the 1980s and 1990s. It was then extended to other fields of research and action beyond the boundaries of ergonomics. This contribution proposes an archeology of knowledge with the aim of gaining an understanding not only of the "cour...

Notre recherche s'inscrit dans un programme de recherche technologique en formation des adultes conduit en référence au programme du « cours d'action » (Theureau, 2006, 2009, 2015). À partir de l'hypothèse d'activité-signe inscrite dans ce programme, nous concevons les formations comme des occasions de perturbation et/ou relance de la dynamique de...

Our research is part of a technological research program in adult education conducted in relation to the “course of action” program. Using the activity-sign hypothesis of this program, training situations are viewed as opportunities to perturb/relaunch the participants’ dynamics of meaning. Our contribution aims to (i) improve the conceptualization...

Cet article explore l’expérience d’impasse selon une perspective d’analyse de l’activité et propose des pistes de compréhension de ses possibles dénouements, en situations de conseil et d’accompagnement en formation des adultes. Sur la base de deux études portant sur une pratique de conseil et sur une formation à médiation artistique, l’impasse est...

Dans un monde exposé à l’incertitude et aux bouleversements, le développement de la résilience des organisations est souvent évoqué comme piste d’amélioration de la performance. Conçue comme un complément — mais aussi parfois comme un contre-pied — aux approches de gestion basées sur l’anticipation et la préparation, le développement de la résilien...

Cette communication questionne la façon dont des outils de réalité virtuelle peuvent contribuer à l’élaboration d’outils et méthodes pour l’ergonome, particulièrement les entretiens de remise en situation. Ces environnements virtuels offrent, sous certaines conditions, une immersion et un sentiment de présence, qui ouvrent des possibilités concerna...

The “course of action” empirical and technological research program was developed in the field of ergonomics during the 1980s and 1990s. It was then progressively extended to other fields of research and action beyond the boundaries of ergonomics. This contribution proposes an archeology of knowledge with the aim of gaining an understanding not onl...

The “course of action” empirical and technological research program was developed in the field of ergonomics during the 1980s and 1990s. It was then extended to other fields of research and action beyond the boundaries of ergonomics. This contribution proposes an archeology of knowledge with the aim of gaining an understanding not only of the "cour...

The “course of action” empirical and technological research program was developed in the field of ergonomics during the 1980s and 1990s. It was then extended to other fields of research and action beyond the boundaries of ergonomics. This contribution proposes an archeology of knowledge with the aim of gaining an understanding not only of the "cour...

Our research is part of a technological research program in adult education conducted in reference to the "course of action" program. Using the activity-sign hypothesis of this programme, training situations are thought as opportunities to perturb/relaunch the participants'dynamics of meaning. Our contribution aims to (i) improve the conceptualizat...

This paper is about film editing for documentation of work practices and training purposes. It illustrates these principles by a practical case: the working activity of bailiffs in a Swiss cantonal office. Training situations designing is based on a prior analysis of bailiffs’ activity, its constraints and its effects, by the mean of observation an...

Cette publi s’adresse d'abord à qui réfléchit à l’idée et aux moyens d’un développement de la sécurité industrielle par le biais de la formation, en particulier quand elle a pour objet la gestion de situations difficiles (voire de gestion de crise). Mais d'une certaine manière c'est aussi un "regard" sur la formation professionnelle en général.

Contrairement aux modèles de formation les plus répandus, la formation basée sur la perturbation ne repose pas sur la transmission de savoirs établis, mais vise à produire un « choc » pour encourager la production de nouvelles significations et le développement de nouvelles modalités d’action et d’organisation. Inscrite dans un programme de recherc...

Os fenômenos transmissivos podem ser considerados como unidades fundamentais de atividade, constitutivas e constituintes da sociabilidade e da humanidade. De tal maneira que toda antropologia é uma antropologia da transmissão, e que a educação enquanto prática social é a principal representante destas unidades antropológicas de atividade humana. Ar...

PurposeSafety and organizational research indicates that fostering resilience in organizations is a promising way for improving safety, albeit concrete means to implement resilience are still lacking, especially in the educational field. The purpose of this paper is to propose four principles for training design derived from past and current studie...

Les phénomènes transmissifs peuvent être considéréscomme des unités fondamentales d’activité, constitutives et constituantes de la socialité et de l’humanité. De sorte que toute anthropologie est une anthropologie de la transmission et que l’éducation comme pratique sociale, est un représentant majeur de ces unités anthropologiques d’activité humai...

Cet essai se propose d’examiner quatre problèmes méthodologiques qui se posent fréquemment aux intervenants engagés dans une intervention « ordinaire » d’analyse du travail pour la conception d’une formation : (i) acceptabilité et (ii) disponibilité limitées des acteurs vis-à-vis des modalités d’intervention, (iii) multiplicité des acteurs particip...

Cet essai se propose d’examiner quatre problèmes méthodologiques qui se posent fréquemment aux intervenants engagés dans une intervention « ordinaire » d’analyse du travail pour la conception d’une formation : (i) acceptabilité et (ii) disponibilité limitées des acteurs vis-à-vis des modalités d’intervention, (iii) multiplicité des acteurs particip...

In the services sector professions, digitalization is transforming the individual and collective activity and the relationship with the users. Though not exclusively, this aspect is particularly visible when digitalization refers to the management of the user’s information. This contribution explores the implications of the information’s digitaliza...

La recherche présentée porte sur l’analyse de l’activité des formés et des formateurs lors d’une situation de formation intégrant un environnement virtuel de visualisation d’un bâtiment réacteur (VVProPrepa). Les visées de cette recherche sont i) la production de connaissances empiriques sur l’activité des formés et des formateurs lors de l’utilisa...

Perturbation is a training design principle that consists in disrupting standard workflow with the introduction of a significant event. Mostly used in safety-concerned organizations, it is quite widespread in practices like crisis exercises, but weakly theorized in an educational perspective. Extending Weick’s descriptive theory (1995), perturbatio...

Une recherche en cours sur la formation à et par la résilience inclut dans ses partenariats le Groupement de réponse aux Crises Majeures et Attentats du SDMIS69. Ce volet étudie notamment des « entrainements de crise » (EDC) conçus et mis en oeuvre au centre d’entrainement zonal (CEZ) NRBC-E de la zone de défense et de sécurité Sud-Est, et à destin...

SMACH (Simulation Multi-Agent de l’ACtivité Humaine) est une plateforme de simulation sociale qui s’inscrit pour EDF dans un cadre de recherche visant à utiliser la simulation pour l’anticipation et la réduction des consommations d’énergie dans l’habitat. Dans cet article, nous développons l’idée que la simulation nécessite d’intégrer une relation...

Purpose Safety and organizational research indicates that fostering resilience in organizations is a promising way for improving safety, albeit concrete means to implement resilience are still lacking, especially in the educational field. The purpose of this paper is to propose four principles for training design derived from past and current studi...

https://www.cairn.info/revue-raisons-educatives-2017-1.htm

Le « virage numérique » de la formation que prennent de nombreuses entreprises doit s’accompagner du développement de programmes de recherche technologique en formation. La recherche présentée porte sur la conception et l’analyse d’une situation de formation dans le secteur industriel. Cette situation mobilise de manière conjointe des « scénarios-...

La recherche présentée porte sur la conception et l’analyse d’une situation de formation intégrant une maquette numérique. L’objectif était d’étudier l’intérêt de l’utilisation de cette maquette numérique pour la formation des nouveaux embauchés dans le domaine de l’industrie nucléaire. Cette dernière permet la visualisation d’un bâtiment industrie...

Les résultats présentés dans ce document concernent les terrains sur lesquels le projet Smart Electric Lyon s’est déployé, à savoir, des bâtiments existants. Ces bâtiments appartiennent au secteur Résidentiel et à celui du Tertiaire et des Collectivités locales. Les participants à l’expérimentation (les clients) sont dans une démarche d’amélioratio...

Le recours à l’analyse de l’activité dans une perspective d’éducation impacte le travail des formateurs, notamment du fait qu’elle leur procure des instruments de conception et d’action nouveaux. Cela vaut pour les formateurs dans leurs pratiques quotidiennes ; cela vaut aussi pour les formateurs-chercheurs d’une équipe de recherche. Cet article pr...

The aim of this study was to investigate the relationships between material artefacts and expertise in the sports context. The role of material artefacts (ice axes, crampons and screws) in the activity of four expert ice climbers is examined from the enac-tive perspective, using the theorical and methodological framework of course-of-action. Two ty...

This article shows how the 'course of action' research programme has enriched activity analysis with illustrations from studies in the field of vocational training. The principal hypotheses of this programme are first reviewed, after which we present the paradox at the core of any training objective to transform the activity of individuals 'from th...

This short paper considers how classical concepts and approaches of cognitive ergonomics/engineering (e.g., automation, trust or control levels) could both enhance Home Energy Management Systems (HEMS) design and energy efficiency, while requiring a specific reference to home and daily life practices. We rely on initial results of a research, evalu...

We live in a world filled with material objects, and certainly, the workplace and occupational training are no exception. The purpose of this chapter is to show the value of seriously examining the presence and contributions of technical objects within the context of occupational education and training. The concern is that when objects are freed of...

This chapter presents an activity-based theoretical framework pursuing two objectives: (i) understand the social practices of work and training and (ii) design innovative vocational training methods. It is part of a research trend that has come to be known as ‘French ergonomics’. In this trend, the analysis focuses on the articulation of work presc...

This chapter offers an overview of the field of Francophone research on learning through work and is intended as a platform for presenting a delineation of this field. More specifically, the chapter presents a range of research traditions that have secured important places within the French-speaking research community, as illustrated in the chapter...

This article proposes an approach of adult education focused on human activity analysis. Part 1 a) specifies the concept of activity as a translation of social practices for analytical purposes, b) describes our research perspective and c) summarizes its most significant empirical and conceptual contributions. Part 2 provides an extension in two di...

For many years hospitals have been implementing crew resource management (CRM) programs, inspired by the aviation industry, in order to improve patient safety. However, while contributing to improved patient care, CRM programs are controversial because of their limited impact, a decrease in effectiveness over time, and the underinvestment by some c...

The aim of this study was to present an empirical phenomonological approach to exploring the experience of novice nurse anesthetists engaged in simulation-based training sessions. This study was conducted within the technologic and methodological framework of the course-of-action theory developed by Theureau. The following 3 types of data were gath...

This study investigated the functional intra-individual movement variability of ice climbers differing in skill level to understand how icefall properties were used by participants as affordances to adapt inter-limb coordination patterns during performance. Seven expert climbers and seven beginners were observed as they climbed a 30 m icefall. Move...

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to focus on the professional activity development of prop makers. These professionals are responsible for creating a huge variety of objects for the stage, ranging from furniture and soft furnishings to weapons, statues, jewelry and animated models. A feature of the work is to create objects that are new almos...

Cette étude vise à montrer l’intérêt d’articuler des données biomécaniques et d’expérience pour mieux comprendre l’activité en sport et, plus largement, l’activité. Afin d’étudier l’activité de nageurs élites confrontés à un dispositif technologique (le MAD system) évaluant les facteurs biomécaniques de la performance, elle intègre deux approches :...

The purpose of this study was to test the usefulness of combining two types of analysis to investigate sports performance with the aim of optimizing it. These two types of analysis correspond to two levels of athletes' activity: (a) their experiences during performance and (b) the biomechanical characteristics of their movements. Rowing served as a...

This paper presents the specification of a context-aware system dedicated to assist home occupants in their everyday life while reducing their energy consumption. The system behavior and the interaction are built upon the definition of “situation spaces” based on a prior definition of the contexts of activity from the point of view of each actor in...

This paper presents the specification of a context-aware system dedicated to assist home occupants in their everyday life while reducing their energy consumption. The system behavior and the interaction are built upon the definition of “situation spaces” based on a prior definition of the contexts of activity from the point of view of each actor in...

This paper presents the specification of a context-aware system dedicated to assist home occupants in their everyday life while reducing their energy consumption. The system behavior and the interaction are built upon the definition of “situation spaces” based on a prior definition of the contexts of activity from the point of view of each actor in...

The present article deals with how the processes of learning and development can be taken into account in the design of everyday things. The objective is to encourage designers to consider the role of appropriation in their work in order to anticipate: (1) the integration of technical tools, objects and devices into a variety of spheres of activity...

Pervasive technologies suggest new horizons for developing innovative products and services for domestic settings. This paper on lighting service shows how activity analysis can contribute to the design of smart home services. Preparing dinner, programming a video recorder, removing clothes from the washing machine, lighting a floor lamp and turnin...

Cette communication présente l'étude de l'activité d'une glaciériste débutante utilisant trois types de piolets différents pour réaliser une ascension en conditions réelles. Ce travail poursuit une double visée épistémique et transformative : (a) produire des connaissances sur le rôle de médiation joué par les piolets dans l'activité des glaciérist...

Concevoir du matériel sportif utile, utilisable, et appropriable nécessite une connaissance fine de l'activité réelle des utilisateurs. Cette communication vise à (a) présenter une démarche de conception centrée sur l'activité, et (b) questionner la fécondité de la notion d'appropriation pour l'analyse et la conception. Nous illustrerons notre prop...

Objectives This study sought to determine whether combining first- and third-person methodologies would provide insight into team coordination.Design and methodsWe studied the activity of a table tennis doubles team during an official match. We collected and processed the verbal data according to a procedure defined for course-of-experience analysi...

This case study investigated team cognition in basketball. The focus was on how concerns in a real match situation were shared among teammates and how the sharedness evolved. The activity of five basketball players (M age = 17.60, SD = 0.89) was studied. The data were collected and processed according to a procedure defined for course-of-action ana...

L'activité humaine et la conception d'une plateforme de simulation sociale Résumé. Nous défendrons dans ce texte l'idée qu'une plateforme de simulation sociale peut correspondre à une innovation si elle est structurellement liée à une connaissance de l'activité humaine. Nous aborderons cette question à partir de notre expérience dans la conception...

The purpose of this text is to clarify the role of understanding human activity within the context of a social simulation issue. We will examine this role on the basis of our experience with the SMACH 1 project (multi-agent simulation of human behaviour), the aim of which is to anticipate the behaviour of EDF's (Electricité de France) customers reg...

Design sports equipment with an activity-centred approach: An alternative to sports ergonomics In sports ergonomics, there is a disparity in the attention given on the one hand to the specification of the equipment and on the other hand to the user’s activity. However, design useful, usable, and appropriable equipment requires an understanding of t...

When designing workplace computer systems one must take human activity into account. It has become standard practice to approach this issue through user-centered design. The aim of this paper is to stimulate thought on activity-centered design and to propose the concept of appropriation as a fundamental principle of this design approach. This orien...

Résumé Notre étude s’est attachée à analyser la construction de l’activité collective en s’intéressant au partage des préoccupations entre les partenaires d’une équipe lors d’un match de basket-ball. Elle a été menée en référence au cadre théorique et méthodologique du cours d’action (Theureau, 2006). Elle a caractérisé la nature des préoccupations...