Students frequently ask questions, such as: “Why are we doing this? Why do I need to know this? Why are we spending so much time on this? Why do we have to do this assignment? How does this assignment relate to the course outcomes?
Relevance is a key component to motivating student learning and establishing both personal and real-world connection. If students are not provided with an opportunity to reach the maximum from the course
Relevance can be established both at the level of designing a course and during the implementation of the course. Through our review we have formulated six essential strategies for establishing relevance.
- Using real life examples (CLIMASP issues) drawn from the local environment and applying theory to practice, especially through problem-based learning and service learning methods (contextualisation).
- Balancing, weighing and accommodating a variety of disciplinary perspectives (Curriculum integration/interdisciplinarity).
- Involving students in the process of setting objectives and learning outcomes (Student-centred learning).
- Aligning the instructional requirements/methods and curriculum standards with goals/objectives, students’ learning styles, personal interests and experiences (Aligning teaching, learning and curriculum).
- Perceiving students as agents of change through enhancing their abilities to make a difference in their community and take a full role in society, locally and globally (Active citizenship).
- Involving key stakeholders in curriculum design, development and evaluation (Participatory curriculum design).