What is 'contextual learning'?

Contextual learning is defined as the educational approach that emphasizes the connection between academic material and real-world situations and applications. This method allows learners to understand and retain information better by relating what they are studying to their own experiences or the environment around them.

In this approach, learners are encouraged to engage with the content actively and see its relevance, making the learning process more meaningful and memorable. It enhances critical thinking skills, as students often need to apply their knowledge in practical situations, leading to deeper comprehension and retention of the material.

The other options describe learning styles or approaches that do not capture the essence of contextual learning. For instance, focusing solely on theoretical concepts, lacking practical examples, or being restricted to a classroom setting fails to harness the connections between learning and real-life applications, which is central to contextual learning.