The psychological theory of activity, proposed by the outstanding Soviet psychologist A.N. Leontyev, considers the psychological and physical activity of a person within the framework of society, which directs and conditions its development.
The subject of the study of theory is activity in the broad sense of the word, i.e. active interaction of the subject with the environment. Thanks to this interaction, the subject changes the external (objective) or internal world. It is also worth noting that the main or initial type of activity is external, which, through socially determined processes, over time becomes the so-called internal plan .
The theory of activity has a number of basic concepts that also help to reveal its essence.
Any human activity has a complex multilayer structure, which means that it can be divided into several levels. Conventionally, one of the first named the level of action. By actions are meant those separate and specific processes that are aimed at achieving a specific goal. Among other things, it is a functional unit of any activity. By purpose , it is customary to understand that final conscious image for which, in fact, this particular action was started. It is important to note that the theory of activity understands action as a fully conscious process. This is not spontaneous movement or automatism. Since it is continuously connected with a goal that is always held in consciousness, action within the framework of this approach is the unity of the physical manifestation of activity and consciousness.
It consists of elementary units - operations or methods of performing an action. Operations are based on skills. The difference between them is that they are not realized, that is, they are committed automatically (while the action always has a conscious goal). Finally, the lowest level is the psychophysiological characteristics of our body, responsible for the success / failure, speed and quality of operations.
We examined the mechanism for implementing actions. However, the theory of activity also offers a different classification, which reveals the actual activity in terms of motivation and purpose.
The basic concept here is need - a certain need, which is the cause of tension in the body, which must be satisfied. If a person’s experience tells him how stress can be reduced, that is, he knows and searches for a specific subject of its satisfaction, search activity is supported by a motive.
Based on the fact that a person constantly performs any type of activity, the psychological theory of activity identifies those types that are characteristic of an individual during different periods of his life.
1. Subject-manipulative. Peculiar to infants and young children. Kids learn the features of objects, their properties and the actions that can be done with them.
2. Gaming. Children learn to interact with each other, create group rules, adhere to them. As part of the scenario, the game concept is developed.
3. Educational activities. Peculiar to schoolchildren and is aimed at recognizing new information, enriching knowledge.
4. Close communication. It is typical for adolescents who seek to establish a social connection, try to be "in a group", to become part of something larger, to be accepted and understood in their midst.
5. Work is characteristic of adults. As the name implies, it is aimed at the formation of man in work and work.
On the basis of the theory of A. N. Leont'ev, the scientists of D. B. Elkonin and V. V. Davydov, who were no less outstanding scientists, created the theory of educational activity, in the framework of which the psychological influence of learning on a child and the changes that occur under its influence are studied.