Suggestion 51. Explain or demonstrate why a particular point is important

IF YOU WANT TO:

• Identify what you think is most important

• Motivate students to learn

Explaining or demonstrating to students why a particular point is important.

Several teachers believe that the best way to cue students to the importance of an idea is to show them the role that idea plays in an overall understanding of the course material or in applications beyond the course.

"I think it is crucial for students to know why a concept is important," says one physiology professor. "Just saying that it is important is not enough. You need to put the concept in some perspective, to show why it is important. Explaining why an idea is important not only gets the students' attention, it gives them a framework on which to hang the idea."

An engineering professor concurs. "I follow the introduction of a major concept with lots of specific examples, including anecdotes which show application of the concept in current professional practice," he explains. "You must show students why it is important to know a particular concept if you expect them to master it."

Limitations on Use of Suggestion

  Discipline:  None
Course Level:  None
 Course Size:  None
        Mode:  None

Copyright 1983 by the Regents of the University of California

Next suggestion