Anchored Instruction: Why We Need It and How Technology Can Help

Anchored instruction is the key to making interesting and meaningful. Lefrancois’ story is an example of why it is important to make material relatable so that students can connect what they are learning to real-life situations. As I stated in my example of knowledge-centered environments, math is so much easier to learn when you know how it can be applied. When learning geometry, students should be given building dimensions so they can understand why geometry is needed. They should know how math impacts engineers and the other career paths that can be taken by mastering certain subjects. When there is a sale in a store, a light should go on in students’ minds so they will think, “here’s my chance to apply turning decimals into percents.”

Teaching students to think is also a concept that should not be over-looked by teachers. I envision that teaching students to think is similar to teaching them common sense. I’m sure it’s probably easier than it seems, but I know it requires a great deal of creativity. There were many different examples given of excellent lessons that demonstrate the importance of anchored instruction. The Raiders of the Lost Ark lesson shows how practical application of knowledge makes learning more meaningful. I would like to keep this article to use it as a tool if I am ever in the classroom again and need to develop meaningful lessons.