Contextualized: meaning, definitions and examples

Etymology

• The word comes from 'context', meaning the background or situation that helps explain something, and 'alized', which means to make or give a quality.
• It first appeared in English in the 1960s, gaining prominence in educational frameworks and theories.
• Understanding something in context is crucial for effective learning and knowledge application.

Education

• In teaching, contextualized learning helps students connect new information to real-life situations, making it more meaningful.
• Researchers have found that students who engage in contextualized learning retain information better than through rote memorization.
• Hands-on activities and real-world applications in classrooms are examples of how educators contextualize knowledge.

Psychology

• Cognitive psychology emphasizes that context influences perception, impacting how we understand and remember information.
• The principle of 'context-dependent memory' suggests that we recall information better when we're in the same environment where we learned it.
• Contextual factors can also affect emotional responses, showcasing how surroundings shape our experiences.

Sociolinguistics

• Language changes meaning depending on context, highlighting the importance of contextualizing statements in effective communication.
• Sociolinguists study how context—including cultural and social factors—affects language use and interpretation.
• This aspect of language shows that listeners and speakers rely on shared contexts to understand each other.

Cultural Studies

• Different cultures may interpret the same action differently, showcasing how cultural context is crucial for understanding behavior.
• Art and literature are often contextualized to reflect the historical background and societal norms of their time.
• Globalization has led to blending contexts, altering how cultures perceive and contextualize traditions and practices.

At rank #29,096, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.

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