Situated Learning Theory

Summary

Situated Learning Theory, developed by Jean Lave and Etienne Wenger, emphasizes learning within authentic contexts and cultures. It advocates for collaborative learning and real-life experiences. The theory involves authentic learning contexts, legitimate peripheral practice, and a community of practice. Tools like Nearpod facilitate this theory in online learning, allowing for virtual field trips and collaborative activities. Instructors must ensure authentic contexts, expert access, student collaboration, and reflection for effective learning.

Takeaways

• 📚 Situated Learning Theory was developed by Jean Lave and Etienne Wenger in the late 1980s.
• 🌐 Learning is viewed as occurring within authentic contexts, cultures, and activities.
• 🤝 The theory emphasizes the importance of collaborative group settings for effective learning.
• 🌟 Learning is often unintentional and based on real-life experiences.
• 🏫 The theory consists of three main concepts: authentic learning contexts, legitimate peripheral participation, and community of practice.
• 👨‍🏫 Legitimate peripheral participation involves learning that is embedded in culture, activity, and context.
• 👥 Community of practice is developed through interaction and collaboration with peers and experts.
• 📈 Students start at the periphery of learning and move towards expertise through collaboration and scaffolding.
• 🏥 Examples of situated learning include internships, clinical settings, and field trips.
• 💻 Instructional designers can apply situated learning theory to web-based tools like Nearpod for online learning.
• 🔍 Instructors should consider authentic contexts, access to experts, student collaboration, and opportunities for reflection when applying the theory.

Q & A

What is the Situated Learning Theory?

The Situated Learning Theory, developed by Jean Lave and Etienne Wenger in the late 1980s, posits that learning occurs within authentic contexts, cultures, and activities, and is often unintentional. It emphasizes collaborative learning and real-life experiences.

Who developed the Situated Learning Theory?

Jean Lave and Etienne Wenger developed the Situated Learning Theory.

What are the three main concepts of the Situated Learning Theory?

The three main concepts are authentic learning contexts, legitimate peripheral participation, and the community of practice.

How does learning occur according to the Situated Learning Theory?

Learning is embedded in culture, activity, and context, and occurs through collaboration and interaction with peers and experts.

What is meant by 'authentic learning contexts' in the Situated Learning Theory?

Authentic learning contexts refer to real-life situations and activities where students engage in learning, simulating the actual environment they will encounter.

What is 'legitimate peripheral practice'?

Legitimate peripheral practice is the process by which learners, often novices, participate in a community of practice from the periphery and gradually move towards the center as they gain expertise.

What is the role of a community of practice in the Situated Learning Theory?

The community of practice is developed through interaction and collaboration with peers and experts, facilitating the sharing of knowledge and skills within the group.

How does the Situated Learning Theory apply to internships and cooperative placements?

Internships and cooperative placements are examples of situated learning where students experience real-world work scenarios, applying their knowledge in authentic contexts.

Can you provide an example of a web-based tool that utilizes the Situated Learning Theory?

Nearpod is an example of a web-based learning tool that incorporates the Situated Learning Theory, allowing for virtual field trips, collaboration, and reflection on learning.

What role does the instructor play in a learning environment based on the Situated Learning Theory?

Instructors act as facilitators, providing scaffolding, authentic evaluation, and assessment to support students' learning journey within authentic contexts.

How can an instructional designer apply the Situated Learning Theory in an online environment?

An instructional designer can apply the Situated Learning Theory by creating web-based tools that simulate real-life problems, provide access to experts, encourage collaboration, and allow for reflection and articulation of learning.

What are the key elements an instructor must consider when applying the Situated Learning Theory?

Key elements include authentic contexts and activities, access to experts, student collaboration, opportunities for reflection, and the instructor's role as a facilitator.