In their book Explicit Direct Instruction (EDI): The Power of the Well-Crafted, Well-Taught Lesson, John R. Hollingsworth and Silvia E. Ybarra emphasize the importance of establishing relevance in classroom instruction. They argue that when students understand the significance of what they're learning, their motivation and engagement increase, leading to better academic outcomes.
The authors dedicate chapter 11, “This Is Important to Learn: Relevance”, to this concept. They discuss strategies for teaching lesson relevance, including:
When to Teach Lesson Relevance: Introducing the importance of the lesson at strategic points to maximize student engagement. (page 154)
How to Provide Lesson Relevance: Connecting lesson content to real-world applications or students' personal experiences to make the material more meaningful. (page 154)
How to Design Lesson Relevance: Planning lessons with clear objectives that highlight the value and applicability of the content. (page 155)
How to Teach Lesson Relevance: Employing instructional techniques that consistently reinforce the significance of the material being taught. (page 158)
By systematically incorporating these strategies, teachers can create a learning environment where students recognize the value of their education, thereby enhancing their motivation and academic performance.