The contextual learning community included a recent Florida State University graduate, a graduate student, several undergraduates, and a biochemistry professor. An opthamologist and a oncologist from private practice helped facilitate the learning of our community of learners. At research group meetings, students shared with one another their findings and, in so doing, linked their understandings to other attributes of disease. This type of cooperative learning tended to have great success as new ideas and leads arose through discussions. Students communicated on their findings through e-mail as well as in smaller focused meetings.
Students make sense of their understandings of science based on prior experiences.
This is possible because we have developed a common vision and goals. Using the language of science and negotiating the meaning of words, the participants construct meaning and learn science. We coparticipate in the learning of science.