Contextualist Epistemology

My understanding of the contextualist epistemology is that this group places more of a focus on the social context in which the learning exists as a critical element affecting learning, the retention of knowledge, and the meaning of the learning to the learner.  Although the constructivist takes the same approach in that learning is viewed more as an inside-out approach, the constructivist does not appear to place the same weight on the social context of the learner.  Certainly the behaviorist is on the right wing of this equation, placing the weight of learning soley on the response of the learner to stimuli (outside-in).  Instructional designers adhering to any one of these different approaches to learning will design the learning environment accordingly.  Whereas the positivist will approach learning by providing distinct learning objectives which will be presented in the same manner to all learners and will probably utilize norm-based assessment, the relativist will be more likely to "customize" the environment to the learner and will seek to assess learning through authentic works and criterion based assessments.  Of all approaches, the contextualist will most likely be oriented to design a classroom demonstrating characteristics not unlike those described by Reigeluth, including design features which focus on learner-centered, customized elements.  I would think that this person would also be most likely to see the value in the task and instructional spaces and team and individual assessment techniques as described by Reigeluth, as these elements would likely allow for very individualized instruction which would allow for the social being of the learner to not only be emphasized but also seized upon as a strength rather than a weakness.