The phrase "novel situations" refers to new or unfamiliar circumstances or events that we haven't encountered before. It means facing something different and unique, which requires us to think and act in ways we may not be used to. Full definition
An element of both frameworks is the goal that students can transfer what they learn in school to solve novel problems in novel situations. (edutopia.org)
In this way a series of novel situations have been produced for thought. (religion-online.org)
The point of law is, after all, to state general principles regarding what is forbidden or allowed in a society, thus it must be capable of addressing novel situations. (law.stackexchange.com)