Students' perceptions of a situated learning environment

In this study, middle school students' perceptions of a situated learning environment were investigated. Because there was not a definite situated instruction model in the literature, the characteristics of ideal/situated learning environments, which had been proposed by Collins, Brown, & Newman (1989), were put into practice. Evaluation was based on the science journals that students kept after the activities and observations of the researcher and the classroom teacher during the instruction. Results showed that students had a positive perception of a situated learning environment. The current study is unique in terms of providing a sample unit plan for science classes based on Collins et. al.'s proposed model and examining students' perception of situated learning environments from a qualitative perspective. (C) 2010 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.