The Characteristics of Contextual Learning

In contextual learning, learning program is more of a plan of activities designed teachers' class, which contains the scenario step by step on what will be done with their students relative to the topic that will be studied. It is reflected in program learning goals, the medium to achieve these objectives, learning materials, steps and authentic assessment of learning.

In general, there is no fundamental difference between the formal conventional learning programs with contextual learning. It is differentiate only in emphasis. In conventional learning is more emphasis on the description of objectives to be achieved (clear and operational). While in the contextual learning program is more emphasis on the learning scenario. Therefore, contextual learning has its own characteristics, which are as follow:

1. Cooperation
2. Mutual support
3. Please
4. Learning with passion
5. Integrated Learning
6. Using a variety of sources
7. Active Students
8. Sharing with friends
9. Students of critical and creative teachers
10. The walls and school hallways are full of good cooperation in the form of maps, pictures, articles, stories and more.
11. Reports to parents not only report but also of students' work, reports the result practices of students and others.

In addition, there are seven components of contextual learning became its main characteristics are:
1. Construction.
-To build students own understanding of new experiences based on prior knowledge.
-Learning to be packed into a process of "construct" rather than receiving knowledge.

2. Inquiry.
-The process of moving from observation to understanding.
- Students learn to use the skills.
-Think critically

3. Questioning
-Activities teacher to encourage guide and assess students' thinking abilities.
-For students this is an important part in inquiry-based learning.

4. Learning Community
- A group of people who engage in learning activities.
-Work with others better than himself.
-Exchange of experiences.
-Share ideas

5. Modeling
- The process looks an example for others to think, work and study.

6. Reflections
-How to think about what they have learned and record what is learned
- Create journals artwork and discussion groups.

7. Authentic Assessment
-Measuring student knowledge and skills.

With the existence of seven main components that have been mentioned above, so the more contextual learning has its own charisma compared with the concepts of learning. Of course, it can be seen from the seven main components of the role of students is more needed in the midst of ongoing learning process for the applications of contextual functions create an active learning atmosphere between teachers and learners and to prevent monotony condition during the process of learning and teaching progress.