Jean Lave is an American anthropologist and educator known for her work in the fields of learning and education. She is particularly recognized for her research on situated learning, which emphasizes the importance of context in the learning process. Lave argues that learning occurs through participation in social practices rather than through traditional classroom instruction. Lave is also known for her collaboration with Etienne Wenger on the concept of communities of practice. This idea highlights how groups of people with shared interests or professions can learn from one another through their interactions. Her work has significantly influenced educational theory and practice, particularly in understanding how knowledge is constructed in real-world settings.