Using real-life scenarios allows students to get a grasp on a concept or skill they are taught, especially in math. Having students perform math at a functional level should be the ultimate goal of a teacher, not just having the student succeed at a pencil and paper task. For example, many students can probably add and subtract money on paper, but are unable to do it with real money. I think a good strategy when introducing a new math topic is to draw some kind of real-world connection so that the skill makes sense to students. I know when I was in school this would have been helpful to me. Another step teachers could take is to learn the interests of the students, so that they can be engaged in that way. It does take more time and extra work to do this, but it's worth it in the end when students are able to understand a lesson better than if they just memorized formulas and calculations.
Using real-life scenarios allows students to get a grasp on a concept or skill they are taught, especially in math. Having students perform math at a functional level should be the ultimate goal of a teacher, not just having the student succeed at a pencil and paper task. For example, many students can probably add and subtract money on paper, but are unable to do it with real money. I think a good strategy when introducing a new math topic is to draw some kind of real-world connection so that the skill makes sense to students. I know when I was in school this would have been helpful to me. Another step teachers could take is to learn the interests of the students, so that they can be engaged in that way. It does take more time and extra work to do this, but it's worth it in the end when students are able to understand a lesson better than if they just memorized formulas and calculations.
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