Foundation of Contextual Teaching and Learning

19 speaking activities in classroom. According to Berns and Erickson as quoted by Nurhadi et al. 2004: 19, there are some approaches of Contextual Teaching and Learning as follows: 1 Problem-Based Learning Problem-based learning is an approach characterized by the use of “real world” problems. The problems are employed as a context for the students to learn critical thinking and problem solving skills by providing some ideas or opinions as the alternative solutions for solving the problems. The students will gather the information around a question, discuss, and analyze it. After that, they will present findings to others. The teacher will role as a facilitator, who provides problem, asks questions, and facilitates investigation or dialogue. a Characteristics of Problem-Based Learning There are four characteristics of problem-based learning. Firstly, it focuses on asking questions related to the problem raised. Secondly, it focuses on the interdisciplinary of context such as social, economic, political, cultural, and personal context. Thirdly, the student will conduct authentic investigation for the problems. Fourthly, the student will develop the result and present it to the classroom. Those characteristics should be covered in problem-based learning. b The Purpose of Problem-Based Learning Problem-based learning is designed to help the students develop three main skills. Thinking and solving the problem are the first skill to be developed in problem based learning. The students will learn to sharpen their level of reasoning by PLAGIAT MERUPAKAN TINDAKAN TIDAK TERPUJI 20 analyzing and synthesizing the problems. Afterwards, they will interpret their thinking in terms of solution to the problems. Modeling the role of adult is the second skill to be sharpened. The students will have the chance to involve in the phenomenon in real life and learn the important of adult’s role. Learning to think, interpret, and adapt with that phenomenon are expected from the students. Being an independent and autonomy learner is the third skill that will be equipped in problem- based learning. The teacher will encourage and guide the students to ask the questions and solve the problem on their own. Hence, the students learn to finish their own task autonomy in their future. c The Steps of Problem-Based Learning There are some steps provided in problem-based learning. Firstly, the teacher orientates the students to the problem. Secondly, the teacher organizes the students to define and organize the learning task. Thirdly, the teacher encourages the students to do group investigation. Fourthly, the teacher helps the students to prepare the presentation and finally the teacher helps the students to have reflection and evaluation in the process of solving the problem. 2 Cooperative Learning Cooperative learning is an approach that organizes instruction using small learning groups in which the students work together to achieve learning goals Slavin, 1995: 4. Cooperative learning can help the students who are willing to work and succeed as a team. It means that they have to learn cooperatively to get success together. In cooperative work, the students participate in team called Student Team