How can you help students connect their learning to their lives and communities?

1 Use real-world problems and scenarios

One way to help students connect their learning to their lives and communities is to use real-world problems and scenarios as the context for your lessons. For example, you can ask students to apply math concepts to budgeting, planning, or measuring; you can use current events, local issues, or personal stories to spark discussions or writing prompts in language arts; you can explore the connections between science and society, environment, or health; or you can use historical or cultural examples to illustrate concepts in social studies or arts. By using real-world problems and scenarios, you can help students see the relevance and purpose of their learning, as well as challenge them to think critically and creatively.

2 Involve students in projects and inquiries

Another way to help students connect their learning to their lives and communities is to involve them in projects and inquiries that allow them to explore their interests, passions, and questions. For example, you can use project-based learning, inquiry-based learning, or design thinking as frameworks for your units or lessons. You can also encourage students to choose their own topics, questions, or products, or to collaborate with peers or experts. By involving students in projects and inquiries, you can help them develop their autonomy, curiosity, and ownership of their learning, as well as foster their skills in research, problem-solving, and presentation.

3 Incorporate student voice and choice

A third way to help students connect their learning to their lives and communities is to incorporate student voice and choice in your classroom. This means giving students opportunities to express their opinions, preferences, and feedback, as well as to make decisions about their learning goals, activities, and assessments. For example, you can use surveys, polls, or discussions to elicit student input; you can offer students different options or menus for their tasks or assignments; you can use flexible grouping or seating arrangements to accommodate student needs and preferences; or you can use portfolios, rubrics, or self-assessments to involve students in evaluating their progress and growth. By incorporating student voice and choice, you can help them build their confidence, motivation, and engagement in their learning, as well as respect their diversity and individuality.

4 Connect with the community and the world

A fourth way to help students connect their learning to their lives and communities is to connect with the community and the world beyond the classroom. This means providing students with opportunities to interact with real audiences, contexts, and issues, as well as to learn from different perspectives, cultures, and experiences. For example, you can invite guest speakers, mentors, or experts to your classroom; you can organize field trips, service learning, or community projects; you can use digital tools, platforms, or media to communicate or collaborate with other classrooms or organizations; or you can use global themes, issues, or resources to broaden your curriculum and worldview. By connecting with the community and the world, you can help students expand their horizons, develop their empathy and citizenship, and make a positive difference.

5 Reflect on the connections and the learning

A fifth way to help students connect their learning to their lives and communities is to reflect on the connections and the learning. This means engaging students in metacognitive activities that help them think about what they have learned, how they have learned it, why it matters, and what they can do with it. For example, you can use journals, blogs, or portfolios to document student learning and reflections; you can use exit tickets, quizzes, or discussions to check for understanding and feedback; you can use prompts, questions, or models to guide student reflection and self-regulation; or you can use celebrations, showcases, or exhibitions to share student learning and achievements. By reflecting on the connections and the learning, you can help students consolidate their knowledge, skills, and attitudes, as well as transfer them to new situations and contexts.