Significance of This Review Study
A review and synthesis of the context-based studies has
much to offer chemistry education researchers, teachers,
curriculum developers and policy makers. An examination
of the perceived needs being addressed and the aims
of each study will not only reveal the motives of the
researchers who undertook it, but also guide future
researchers towards poorly researched issues. Since the
context-based learning approach leads students towards
making links between real life and chemistry/science,
teachers will be able to harness methods used for research
into classroom practice to achieve a better level of student
engagement with chemistry. An outline of general knowl-edge claims will keep the teachers informed on applying
the context-based learning approach in appropriate ways or
classroom practice. Ultimately, this review may suggest
answers to the question ‘Why do I need to learn this?’.