Transforming Learning Experiences: A Case Study of Integrating Contextual Teaching and Learning (CTL) in the Physics Course within a Bachelor of Technology Program

Authors

  • Anand S. Joshi Department of Physics, School of Basic and Applied Sciences, JSPM University, Pune

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.16920/jeet/2026/v39i3/26083

Keywords:

active learning, constructivism, Contextual Teaching and Learning, Pedagogy, Physics, student–centred learning.

Abstract

This paper explores the integration of Contextual Teaching and Learning (CTL) into a Physics course within a Bachelor of Technology program, emphasizing the influence of constructivism on educational practices. In the constructivist framework, learning is most effective when situated in authentic, meaningful contexts, enabling students to apply their knowledge to real-world problems and relate it to their lives. CTL facilitates this process by seamlessly integrating real-world contexts into the curriculum, fostering student exploration, analysis, and application of learning in relevant and meaningful ways. Notably, CTL can be implemented within a course without significantly altering the curriculum. The study underscores CTL's principles, particularly its capacity to bridge classroom content with real-world experiences, and outlines implementation strategies, including active learning methodologies. Student learning experiences in the Physics course through the implementation of CTL were surveyed. Data collection involved soliciting student feedback via Google Forms, revealing varying levels of engagement across course modules. Analysis of feedback demonstrates a positive perception of CTL, accompanied by suggestions for its enhanced implementation. The paper concludes with recommendations for future research and the effective integration of CTL into physics education.

Downloads

Download data is not yet available.

Downloads

Published

2026-01-29

How to Cite

Joshi, A. S. (2026). Transforming Learning Experiences: A Case Study of Integrating Contextual Teaching and Learning (CTL) in the Physics Course within a Bachelor of Technology Program. Journal of Engineering Education Transformations, 39(3), 86–97. https://doi.org/10.16920/jeet/2026/v39i3/26083

Issue

Section

Articles

References

Alam, M. A. (2023). From Teacher-Centered to Student Centered Learning: The Role of Constructivism and Connectivism In Pedagogical Transformation. JOURNAL OF EDUCATION, 11(2).

Almulla, M. A. (2023). Constructivism learning theory: A paradigm for students’ critical thinking, creativity, and problem solving to affect academic performance in higher education. Cogent Education, 10(1), 2172929. https://doi.org/10.1080/2331186X.2023.2172929

Azfar Khalid, Tayyaba Kazim et al. (2023). Breaking barriers in higher education: Implementation of cost-effective social constructivism in engineering education https://doi.org/10.1177/03064190231218123

Bada, S. O., & Olusegun, S. (2015). Constructivism learning theory: A paradigm for teaching and learning. Journal of Research & Method in Education, 5(6), 66-70. DOI:10.9790/7388-05616670

Blaschke, L. M. (2016). Self-determined learning: Designing for heutagogic learning environments. Learning, design, and technology. An international compendium of theory, research, practice, and policy, 25-40. https://doi.org/10.10.1007/978-3-662-47724-3_2

Blaschke, L. M. (2021). The dynamic mix of heutagogy and technology: Preparing learners for lifelong learning. British Journal of Educational Technology, 52(4),1629-1645. https://doi.org/10.1111/bjet.13105

Dixit, A. C., Harshavardhan, B., Ashok, B. C., Sriraj, M. A., & Prakasha, K. N. (2024). Innovative Pedagogical Approaches for Diverse Learning Styles and Student-Centric Learning. Journal of Engineering Education Transformations, 37(Special Issue 2), 178–188. Scopus. https://doi.org/10.16920/jeet/2024/v37is2/24039

Doychinova, K. (2023). Teaching methods based on constructivism in environmental education. Acta Scientifica Naturalis, 10(2), 97-108. DOI:10.2478/asn-2023-0017

Gunstone, R. (2015). Encyclopedia of science education. Springer DOI:10.1007/978-94-007-2150-0

Hakim, M. W., & Sari, D. M. M. (2023). Practicing contextual teaching and learning approach to enhance students’ higher order thinking skill on writing ability. Elsya: Journal of English Language Studies, 4(3). https://doi.org/10.31849/eslya.v4i3.11541

Hanik, N. R., Harsono, S., & Nugroho, A. A. (2018). Penerapan Pendekatan Contextual Teaching and Learning dengan Metode Observasi untuk Meningkatkan Hasil Belajar pada Matakuliah Ekologi Dasar. Jurnal Pendidikan Matematika Dan IPA, 9(2), 127-138. https://doi.org/10.26418/jpmipa.v9i2.26772

Hayati, R., Rahmi, R., & Delyana, H. (2022). Implementation of Contextual Teaching and Learning (CTL) on Students’ Capability in Mathematical Problem Solving. Alifmatika: Jurnal Pendidikan dan Pembelajaran Matematika, 4(2), 122-134. DOI:10.35316/alifmatika.2022.v4i2.122-134

Hudson, C. C., & Whisler, V. R. (2007). Contextual teaching and learning for practitioners. Journal of Systemics, Cybernetics and Informatics, 6(4), 54-58.

Indrayati, W. D. E., & Kuni, U. H. (2022). Using Contextual Teaching-Learning for Enhance Competency, Student Achievement and Learning Outcome in Developing the Accounting Information System in Indonesia. American Interdisciplinary Journal of Business and Economics (AIJBE), 9(3), 71-85

Jiménez Becerra, J., Rojas-Alvarez, J., & Bustamante Salamanca, M. (2022, May). Contextualization courses for engineering students based on sociotechnical thinking.

In 8th International Conference on Higher Education Advances (HEAd'22) (pp. 505-512). Editorial Universitat Politècnica de València. https://dx.doi.org/10.4995/HEAd22.2022.14544

Johnson, E. B. (2002). Contextual Teaching and Learning: What It Is and Why It's Here to Stay. Corwin Press.

Joshi, A.S (2021). Understanding 5 ‘gogy’: Pedagogy, Andragogy, Peeragogy, Heutagogy, And Cybergogy. Cummins College Bulletin on Engineering Education CCDEE, 2(1), 7 – 13. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/367190313__UNDERSTANDING_'5_GOGY'_PEDAGOGY_A NDRAGOGY_PEERAGOGY_HEUTAGOGY_AND_CYBERGOGY

Joshi, A., Kale, S., Chandel, S., & Pal, D. K. (2015). Likert scale: Explored and explained. British journal of applied science & technology, 7(4), 396-403. DOI:10.9734/BJAST/2015/14975

Koptseva, N. P. (2020). Constructivist pedagogy in context of modern philosophy of education. Перспективы Науки и Образования Perspectives of Science and Education, 41. https://doi.org/10.32744/pse.2020.6.4

Kostøl, K. B., & Remmen, K. B. (2022). A qualitative study of teachers’ and students’ experiences with a context-based curriculum unit designed in collaboration with STEM professionals and science educators. Disciplinary and InterdisciplinaryScience Education Research, 4(1), 26. https://doi.org/10.1186/s43031-022-00066-x

Kristidhika, D. C., Cendana, W., Felix-Otuorimuo, I., & Müller, C. (2020). Contextual teaching and learning to improve conceptual understanding of primary students. Teacher in Educational Research, 2(2), 71-78. https://dx.doi.org/10.33292/ter.v2i2.84

Kurniasih, D. (2021). Implementasi Model Pembelajaran Contextual Teaching And Learning (CTL) Dalam Pelajaran IPA Di Sekolah Dasar. In Social, Humanities, and Educational Studies (SHES): Conference Series (Vol. 3, No. 4, pp. 285-293)

Li,G., (2006). Culturally contested Pedagogy: Battles of literacy and schooling between mainstream teachers and Asian immigrant parents. Sunny press DOI:10.1111/j.1467-9345.2006.00433.x

Pakpahan, F. H., & Saragih, M. (2022). Theory of cognitive development by jean Piaget. Journal of Applied Linguistics, 2(1), 55-60. https://doi.org/10.52622/joal.v2i2.79

Pusawale, S. N. (2020). Cooperative learning approach in engineering physics course. Journal of Engineering Education Transformations, 33(Special Issue), 516–526. Scopus. https://doi.org/10.16920/jeet/2020/v33i0/150106

Patil, A. K., & Chavan, P. C. (2020). ABDP: Activity based approach to develop students conceptual understanding of the course recycling and regeneration technology. Journal of Engineering Education Transformations, 33(Special Issue), 604–607. Scopus. https://doi.org/10.16920/jeet/2020/v33i0/150129

Patil, S. S., & Dharwadkar, N. V. (2020). Improving students engagement through active learning strategies: Case study based active review sessions and skillathon. Journal of Engineering Education Transformations, 33(Special Issue), 340–345. Scopus. https://doi.org/10.16920/jeet/2020/v33i0/150186

Shabani, K., Khatib, M., & Ebadi, S. (2010). Vygotsky's zone of proximal development: Instructional implications and teachers' professional development. English language teaching, 3(4), 237-248. DOI:10.5539/elt.v3n4p237

Sharma, U., & Bansal, D. (2017). Constructivism as a paradigm for teaching and learning. International journal of physical education, sports and health, 4(5), 209-212

Tari, D. K., & Rosana, D. (2019, June). Contextual teaching and learning to develop critical thinking and practical skills. In Journal of Physics: Conference Series (Vol. 1233, No. 1, p. 012102). IOP Publishing. DOI:10.1088/1742-6596/1233/1/012102

Sumarna, C., & Gunawan, H. (2022). Foundations of Constructivism Philosophy in Classroom Learning. International Journal of Science and Society. https://doi.org/10.54783/ijsoc.v4i3.499

Taber, K. E. I. T. H. (2019). Constructivism in education: Concepts, methodologies, tools, and applications. Early Childhood Development: Concepts, Methodologies, Tools, and Applications, 312-342. DOI:10. 4018/978-1-5225-7507-8.ch015

Tari, D. K., & Rosana, D. (2019, June). Contextual teaching and learning to develop critical Thinking and practical skills. In Journal of Physics: Conference Series (Vol. 1233, No. 1, p.012102). IOP Publishing. DOI:10.1088/1742-6596/1233/1/012102

Xue, J. (2014). Contextualised problem-based approach for teaching undergraduate database module. Higher Education Academy Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (HEA STEM)(Computing): Teaching, Learning and Assessment in Databases (TLAD) 2014.

Zajda, J., & Zajda, J. (2021). Constructivist learning theory and creating effective learning environments. Globalisation and education reforms: Creating effective learning environments, 35-50. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-71575-5_3

Zuhrie, M. S., Basuki, I., & Anifah, L. (2019, December). Analysis of Robotic Building Skill for Electrical Engineering Student Based on Contextual Teaching & Learning With Structural Equation Modelling. In International Conference on Education, Science and Technology (pp. 360-367). Redwhite Press. https://doi.org/10.32698//tech1315172