Simply learning something for the sake of learning something is not generally enough to motivate and engage students. Students need to see the significance of what they are learning and how it is relevant to their lives. As Goodwin and Hubbell (2013) state, “… for many students, learning doesn’t become real until they have opportunities to do something with their knowledge in real-world settings” (p.168). Therefore, teachers should intentionally design lessons and units that involve their students applying content and skills in real-world situations. By doing so, students are likely to become more engaged and motivated because they will have the opportunity to see first-hand the value of the knowledge and skills they are acquiring.
Now that the importance of real-world student application of knowledge and skills has been established, let’s examine several examples of ways that student learning can be extended to make explicit connections to the world. Often underestimated, discussion and debate are powerful ways to extend student learning. Specific strategies such as, Socratic Seminar and Written Conversation help provide structured approaches that help ensure that each student has a chance to share his or her ideas/opinions on the topic being addressed (Goodwin & Hubbell, 2013, p.171-172). As Schmoker (2011) states, “We greatly underestimate both the educational power and enjoyment students derive from such discussions or debates” (p.85). Besides discussions and debates, writing assignments can also help students to make connections to the real-world. By summarizing ideas and organizing coherent essays, students will be able to apply their knowledge and skill in a variety of contexts. While there are many other strategies to consider; Socrative Seminar, Written Conversation, and writing assignments are effective strategies that provide students with rich opportunities to make connections with the real-world.
Now that the importance of real-world student application of knowledge and skills has been established, let’s examine several examples of ways that student learning can be extended to make explicit connections to the world. Often underestimated, discussion and debate are powerful ways to extend student learning. Specific strategies such as, Socratic Seminar and Written Conversation help provide structured approaches that help ensure that each student has a chance to share his or her ideas/opinions on the topic being addressed (Goodwin & Hubbell, 2013, p.171-172). As Schmoker (2011) states, “We greatly underestimate both the educational power and enjoyment students derive from such discussions or debates” (p.85). Besides discussions and debates, writing assignments can also help students to make connections to the real-world. By summarizing ideas and organizing coherent essays, students will be able to apply their knowledge and skill in a variety of contexts. While there are many other strategies to consider; Socrative Seminar, Written Conversation, and writing assignments are effective strategies that provide students with rich opportunities to make connections with the real-world.