situated learning

noun

UK /ˈsɪtʃueɪtɪd ˈlɜːnɪŋ/

US /ˈsɪtʃueɪtɪd ˈlɜːrnɪŋ/

Learning by doing things in the real place where those things happen.

The students practiced ordering food in a pretend cafe, which is a form of situated learning.

SYNONYMS

contextual learning experiential learning hands-on learning real-world learning apprenticeship learning

RELATED WORDS

situated cognition community of practice authentic learning scaffolding cognitive apprenticeship

OTHER MEANINGS

2. A theory saying that what people learn is tied to the activity, setting, and people around them.

Her teacher explained situated learning as the idea that knowledge grows out of real situations.

3. A teaching method where learners join real groups and take on real tasks.

The cooking class used situated learning by having students help in an actual restaurant kitchen.

4. Learning that happens naturally while doing a job or hobby with others.

He picked up woodworking through situated learning at his grandfather's workshop.