We are constantly inundated with information (online and in person) and by encouraging our students to think about what they are seeing and hearing on a daily basis can help them not only in the classroom but also in the real world. Being able to use knowledge in real-world applications not only makes learning relevant and interesting, it helps us assimilate knowledge in a deep and meaningful way.
Resources:
Decoding Media Bias- PBS Lesson Plan
Top 12 Ways to Bring the Real World into Your Classroom
How To Use Real-life Connections in the Classroom
- Use class discussions to extend learning:
- Begin with a thought provoking question and then let students write their short responses on paper, then they pass their response to the next person and then let students respond. This is a great way to ensure engagement of each and every student as once. And an easy way to see how each student in responding and participating.
- Writing assignments to help students extend learning.
- Projects to help students apply knowledge
- Be clear about the knowledge you want to students to incorporate, be clear about what students should be thinking about during projects and frame student learning around a driving question.
- Provide students with personal discovery and hands on problems to solve: go beyond the step-by-step procedures, allow students to generate and test hypothesis, web inquiry, teach problem solving
Resources:
Decoding Media Bias- PBS Lesson Plan
Top 12 Ways to Bring the Real World into Your Classroom
How To Use Real-life Connections in the Classroom