Life Lessons in the Classroom: The Effects of Memorable Teaching
Published 5 November 2024
“A classroom activity that I remember to this day because I had such a fun time doing it came from 8th grade. I was in my mother’s class as her student. One of the projects we did was like the game of Life. We had to choose a profession and do research on how much money the average salary for that profession would be in our area. We had to decide where we were going to live and if we could afford it on that budget and we had to budget for other things like food and rent and car payments and all of these other life factors. This was the first time I remember a teacher taking the skills we were learning in class and directly and practically applying them to a task that would be required of us as adults.”
Some lessons stay with us long after we leave the classroom. They’re not always the ones found in textbooks or standardized tests—–they’re the ones that connect education to important life skills. One such example comes from an 8th-grade Algebra class where students embarked on a project inspired by the board game Life.
In this activity, students chose a profession, researched the average salary for that career in their area, and created budgets to determine if they could afford essentials like housing, food, transportation, and other expenses. It was more than just a math assignment; it was a crash course in adulting, equipping students with practical skills they would carry into the real world.
This project demonstrates a key principle of impactful teaching: relevance. Connecting academic skills to real-life scenarios transforms learning from abstract theory into practical application.
Too often, students (and even adults) question the practicality of what they’re learning in school. “When will I ever use this in real life?” they ask. Projects like this one show how classroom concepts can equip students with real-world competencies, whether budgeting for groceries, managing a mortgage, or understanding the implications of financial choices.
When teachers step outside the box and challenge students with hands-on, practical activities, they cultivate skills that extend far beyond academic success. These experiences foster critical thinking, problem-solving, and a sense of personal responsibility—–all essential traits for navigating life after school.
In today’s world, where financial literacy and life skills are often left out of standard curricula, integrating these elements into traditional subjects is more crucial than ever. Projects like this one demonstrate how teachers can make efforts to fill these gaps creatively.
In math class, students aren’t just learning Algebra; they’re learning how to manage a budget, prioritize spending, and make informed decisions. They’re practicing adult responsibilities in a safe, supportive environment, turning what could be an intimidating aspect of adulthood into an empowering experience.
Teachers everywhere can draw inspiration from this example. By designing activities that bridge the gap between the classroom and the real world, they can create lessons that stick with students for a lifetime. Whether it’s through budgeting projects, mock job interviews, or collaborative problem-solving exercises, the possibilities for meaningful, memorable education are endless.
Let’s remember that education isn’t just about passing tests or memorizing formulas—–it’s about preparing students to apply that knowledge in life. And when learning feels this relevant, everyone wins!
“An investment in knowledge always pays the best interest.”
