Context-based learning
An important ingredient of every course is the Context. Context matters a lot. The learners are loaded down with tons of information but they don't know where to use the information. They don't get an opportunity to use their knowledge. We have learnt a lot of subjects but we don't know their application. The learners should be given the opportunity to use their learning in the real world. Imagine, if you want to teach someone how to ride a bike. Then what do you think giving manual instructions about how to ride would be better or giving a bike to get hands-on experience. Obviously giving a bike, when you add the appropriate context the learning becomes more fun and engaging. Just reading and mugging up information won't help. The application is a must for better retention and deep learning. This is Context-based learning.
So what do you think, which subjects can be taught with the context-based learning approach?
Can you give a few advantages of the context-based learning approach?
Here is the link which will help you understand the context-based learning approach
Almost all the subjects which are applicable in real life situations can be taught. Hands-on experience is very necessary to get thorough with content.
ReplyDeleteLearning any skill by just reading about it won't help. In which context it is applicable is necessary.
Example, just reading about how to design how to a learner won't teach a learner how to design, but practicing on Photoshop will.
You are right, Ruqaiyya. Hands-on experience is very necessary. When the student applies their knowledge on the actual field then only learning takes place. They actually understand the concepts really well after practicing. As you rightly mentioned, giving just steps to read won't help while designing you should actually give them assignments to practice designs on the Photoshop.
DeleteAccording to me, each and every subject can be taught with the real life context. If we consider subjects like geography in elementary school, the student do not know how to use that subject knowledge even if they are learning it in school, hence it leads to reduce interest in the subject. But if the all the subject are taught context- based learning approach, it will definitely improve the quality of education.
ReplyDeleteRight Dipti, when we give students an opportunity to practice skills or apply knowledge in the real-life context it helps to arouse the interest of the subject in the students' mind.
DeleteI strongly agree with the point that context-based learning is really very important. Humans tend to forget theories but applications of those theories make them relevant in real life. Personally, even I don't prefer studying anything that doesn't have any application in real life. Anything that is not context-based comes under the lowest level of bloom's taxonomy. Teachers should target towards the higher levels of taxonomy right from the lower grades which will eventually build a strong foundation of learners. Mugging up should never be an option. And as Ruqaiyya and Dipti said, Almost all subjects can be taught with real life applicability, and that should be the ultimate goal.
ReplyDeleteYou are absolutely right Sheetal. Even if we mug up things it really won't help us. The students won't be able to understand the content thoroughly. As you rightly mentioned the teacher should focus on the highest level of the taxonomy. The teacher should involve the activities which involve the use of a higher level of taxonomy such as apply, analyse, evaluate and create.
DeleteConnecting Science to everyday life through Context-based Learning is very much possible. learning scientific concepts and processes through dealing with real-world problems Also, real-world problems can be dealt through learning scientific processes and concepts.
ReplyDelete