Situational approach to learning

1. Situational approach to learning Certificate iv in training and assessment TAEDEL401A plan and organise group based delivery Paul gearside

8. Traditional instruction Teacher talk exceeds student talk Instruction occurs frequently with the whole class Use of class time is largely determined by the teacher Teachers use a text book to guide curriculum Classroom furniture is arranged into rows or chairs facing a white board Learning is compartmentalised by discipline Physical presence of both teacher and student in the same room is required It promotes generalised, theoretical principles & skills rather than the situation specific Capabilities It is disembedded from ordinary experience Dialogue is controlled by the teacher largely promotes individual endeavour and cognition involves competitive relations and individual assessment Contrary to web based opportunities traditional instruction has emerged through distance education and internet training opportunities.

9. Considerations for change Instruction must be situated in an authentic context that resembles that of the classroom teacher need to enrich students learning processes by providing realistic experiences that more easily transfer into the their working life Expert models to imitate in order to process information by visualising, hearing, reasoning and reflecting Students will be expected to use the skills they have leaned throughout their educational career in the professional career Sufficiently utilise educational skills to complete work goals Traditional instruction limits students to performing set tasks only and learners must retrain for each specific work application Educating individuals on things that are not needed for their future require learners to source the money and time costs of obtaining supplemental training for each desired application Situational learning offers students exposure to more skills that will be useful in helping them obtain a variety of jobs.

10. What is situational learning “situational learning is committed to a vision of the social interaction that stresses cooperation, interactivity, mutual benefit, and social engagement. The power of 10 working interactively will invariably outstrip the power of one looking to beat out the other nine” First proposed by jean lave and etienne wenger (united states) as a model of learning in a community of practice Different pedagogies include: • Workshops, kitchens, greenhouses and gardens as classrooms • Stand-up role playing in the real setting, including most military training. • Field trips including archaeological digs • Participants-observer studies in an foreign culture • On the job training including apprenticeship and cooperative education • Sports practice, music practice and art are situational learning by definition Not limited to external scenarios but is a valid teaching method for educational institutions using such things as web based systems and discussion boards (blogs) Is the umbrella term for simulations, scenario-based learning and case studies with learners placed individually or in groups Group socialisation is key to increased learning outcomes Facebook and twitter are examples of learning and social change

11. How does situational learning work? Students working individually or in groups are placed in situations where they face a sequence of concrete real life problems this can be achieved through methodologies including simulations, case studies, scenario based learning and online role plays Methodology includes web based tools inclusive of blogs and/or notice boards Solutions are collectively developed through socialisation of the group community Students have the opportunity to think, research and realise that they can have a voice that can be viewed by many who may or may not share the same idea To solve these problems students must make decision and deal with the consequences as they collectively try and reach a satisfactory outcome Content or learning aids are supplied / referred to as needed Technology encompassing images, sound, access to email or mobile technologies used to boost engagement and immersion in the story support features such as discussion boards and facilitated sessions (face to face or on line in live class rooms) are incorporated to encourage learners to reflect on what has been happening, what they have been experiencing and what they are learning

12. Situational learning - The benefits Learners of all ages today are looking for approaches that are: • Engaging and interactive • Use the new technologies • Relevant and mirror real life • Efficient • Allow them to use what they know and focus their energy on what they need to know Situational approaches satisfies these criteria through: • The ability to locate and synthesise information from a wide variety of sources in a planned and timely manner • The ability to apply effective, creative and innovative solutions both independently and collaboratively through the collective mindset to current and future problems • To build on the knowledge of others • Skills in interpersonal understanding, teamwork and communication • proficiency in the appropriate use of contemporary technology • The ability and opportunity to take a leadership role in a group context • An awareness of ethical, social and cultural issues and their importance in the exercise of professional skills and responsibilities Remember.................... “situational learning is committed to a vision of the social interaction that stresses cooperation, interactivity, mutual benefit, and social engagement. The power of 10 working interactively will invariably outstrip the power of one looking to beat out the other nine”