Students often ask, “When will I ever use this?” reflecting a growing disconnect between math lessons and real life. Educators are concerned that procedural and outdated teaching methods fail to engage today’s learners.
Making Math Class Relevant to Real Life

Key Takeaways:
- Students frequently question the real-life applicability of math lessons.
- Math instruction is often seen as procedural, boring, and outdated.
- Educators are concerned about student disengagement in math classes.
- There’s a need to solve the motivation problem in math education.
- Some educators believe math instruction is “stuck in a rut,” indicating a need for change.
Students Question Math’s Relevance
“When would I ever use this?” It’s a question that high school and middle school math teachers have heard many times. This recurring inquiry reflects a growing disconnect between math lessons and real life, leading to student disengagement.
Outdated Teaching Methods
Some educators think it’s because math instruction is stuck in a rut. Lessons are often procedural, boring, and, in some cases, “totally outdated,” failing to capture the interest of modern students. Traditional approaches do not seem to pull students in.
The Need to Solve the Motivation Problem
Solving this motivation problem is essential. Educators are recognizing that to engage students, math instruction must evolve. By making lessons more relevant, teachers hope to spark interest and show the practical applications of mathematical concepts.