Making Connections to Previous Experiences

When students understand the real-life applications of what they are learning (relevance), their participation and academic success increases. Asking students to write or record a sentence or two about the real-life applications (past, present, or future) of what they are learning is a great way to help them make connections. This can be an individual activity or an opportunity to share their experiences more broadly through a discussion or shared collaborative space (Google Doc, JamBoard, Miro Board, VoiceThread, Flip, etc.). Instructors can discuss or post some of the more interesting/relevant suggestions in the next class, and maybe even incorporate some of what they learn into future lectures/content.