Learning situations, environments, skills, content and tasks are relevant, realistic, authentic and represent the natural complexities of the 'real world'. Primary sources of data are used in order to ensure authenticity and real-world complexity. Knowledge construction and not reproduction is emphasized. This construction takes place in individual contexts and through social negotiation, collaboration and experience. The learner's previous knowledge constructions, beliefs and attitudes are considered in the knowledge construction process.
Errors provide the opportunity for insight into students' previous knowledge constructions.
Exploration is a favoured approach in order to encourage students to seek knowledge independently and to manage the pursuit of their goals. Learners are provided with the opportunity for apprenticeship learning in which there is an increasing complexity of tasks, skills and knowledge acquisition. Knowledge complexity is reflected in an emphasis on conceptual interrelatedness and interdisciplinary learning. Collaborative and cooperative learning are favoured in order to expose the learner to alternative viewpoints. Scaffolding is facilitated to help students perform just beyond the limits of their ability.