Contextual Curriculum: Getting More Meaning from Education

Abstract

This chapter presents a brief explanation of contextual learning, why it is important in a school-to-work system, and some ideas on how it can be accomplished. No matter what restructuring model community colleges use, a key tenet is the integration of the world of education and the world of work. Just as there are many different approaches to integration, there are various approaches to realizing contextual learning. It is not crucial that all institutions use the same model or method. It is vital, however, that all community colleges develop a plan for accomplishing contextual learning, since it is this kind of learning that adds value to those in a workplace environment. The addition of workplace value is a key outcome of a school-to-work system.Varying definitions of contextual learning can be synthesized as follows: contextual learning is learning that occurs in the most effective and natural manner, associating classroom theory with real-world application. Learning occurs most effectively when information is acquired in the context of its natural use. Conversely, education often tends to be overly organized and compartmentalized from work. Furthermore, curricular decisions are made separate from instructional decisions, disciplines are taught in isolation, and students are divided into groups and separated by levels and talents. Contextual learning seeks to reconnect work and education, curriculum and instruction, different disciplines, and students of various levels and talents. In short, contextual learning is a conduit to applied knowledge.