The Power of Why: Connecting Curriculum to Students' Lives

Abstract

Student disengagement can be a major impediment to effective student learning. When parents and educators cannot provide adequate reasoning to explain the value of what is taught at home and in school, students can lose their motivation to learn and be engaged in classroom activities. In this article, the authors explain the importance of teacher reflection and identification of students' stances and thought processes in making robust decisions around classroom life. Reflecting on or reasoning about the lessons taught, and the questions asked or left out of the curriculum, can help students engage with the curriculum and thus improve their achievement. The authors use examples to show how authentic reasoning may address students' need to understand and appreciate the worth of the curriculum and the concerns of the larger community.