INTASC Principle #5 - Application of Content

The teacher understands how to connect concepts and use differing perspectives to engage learners in critical thinking, creativity, and collaborative problem solving related to authentic local and global issues.

As an adult I have found that I am personally more invested and interested in those things that affect me directly. When teaching, I motivate my students by making sure they feel connected to the content. I always set a clear focus question that is relatable to their lives. This makes the entire learning process more meaningful. After teaching a lesson, I often ask students to answer the questions "What did I learn today? Why is this important for me to know?" on an exit card before they can leave the room or transition into the next activity. While teaching my 3rd grade students I often created mathematical word problems that included each student's name and was related to their interests.