How do you teach in a way that makes students see the relevance and applicability of the material?

Abstract

This papers investigates why relevance is of importance for student learning, and explores practical ways in which relevance can be strengthened in teaching. Effective methods in teaching that reflect the applicability and relevance of the course content have a high impact on students understanding of a given course. It can lead the students to apply a deep approach to learning as the students are more focused on the meaning and appli- cability of what they are learning. A survey of Course Experience Questionnaire (CEQ) data showed both that applied and introductory courses had higher relevance than basic skills courses, and that there is a connection between course relevance and overall satis- faction with courses. Additionally a literature study has been conducted to support the importance of relevance and applicability in teaching and how one can achieve this.