This article explores why students often ask, “Why do I have to learn this?”, connecting motivation to understanding value. Educators can encourage families to discuss with their kids how school subjects link to real life, future goals, and personal interests, helping to deepen engagement both at home and in the classroom.
Family Engagement Example for High Schools
“For example, Judith M. Harackiewicz and her fellow researchers conducted a field study (2012) in which they mailed information to the parents of high school students on the value of studying science, technology, engineering, and math topics. Parents received brochures and links to a website about the importance of science and mathematics in various careers, as well as the relevance of these subjects to everyday activities. The brochure also included suggestions for how parents could talk to their children about the relevance of science and mathematics. The researchers assessed whether the parents had used the brochures via open-ended questions on a survey; they assessed website usage by tracking log-ins. Students who received messages from their parents regarding the usefulness of mathematics and science took, on average, nearly one semester more of mathematics and science courses in the last two years of high school, compared to a control group. In addition, the students’ parents reported increased valuing of math and science for their children” (Anderman, Sheng, & Cha, 2024).