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Connections to Real-World Experience

Check out PATHS Real-world Connections Video

About this PATHS attribute

Within the PATHS resources developed for teamwork, self-regulation and self-reflection, we have identified and incorporated opportunities for real-world connections.  

Where to start? This section offers additional information, resources, and teaching strategies that instructors can use to help students make real-world connections as they learn and gain a greater appreciation for what they are learning, and why. Follow from start to finish or pick the scenario that applies to your course.

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Making real-world connections matters

Estimated Time: 3 minutes

Format: Instructor Video

Other available format: Video Transcript

Building real-world connections into your course

Estimated Reading Time: 1 minute

The diagram below illustrates steps you can take to strategically embed real-world connections into your course design and instruction.1

End Note: Developed by PATHS, York University. 2022.

Incorporating experiential education opportunities

Estimated Reading Time: 1 minute

Experiential education (EE) is hands-on learning that applies the concepts and theories students are learning to real world challenges. Students engage in concrete applied experiences and then reflect on their experiences using the theoretical knowledge they have learned.

Examples include:

Examples include:

Examples include:

Adapted by PATHS, York University from Faculty of Health Experiential Education Resources, York University

PATHS Self-Reflection pathway

Generate engagement and deeper learning through connections

Incorporating connections between course content and real-world examples and experiences can encourage and help students develop deeper content knowledge and critical thinking skills. Making real-world connections can also cultivate curiosity and genuine interest to learn and solve problems (known as intrinsic motivation) as opposed to being motivated by external factors such as grades.

Explore strategies

Estimated Reading Time: 1.5 minutes

StrategyDescription and Examples PATHS Tools
Create relevant connections Select opportunities within your course or find moments when teaching to make relevant, real-world connections to students’ immediate interests, community interests, or significant world events (e.g., use a case study or refer to a current topic outside of academia that connects with your lecture).
StorytellingIncorporate relevant, real-world examples and experiences using storytelling (e.g. personal career stories, examples from the field, TED talks, film, podcasts). 
Authentic Learning/ Problem Based LearningMimic problems encountered in the professional field while using open ended prompts and have students collaborate to develop solutions. Teamwork Pathway
Help students make their own connectionsGuide students to use their own diverse experiences and background to identify meaningful connections to course content.Self-Reflection Pathway
Experiential EducationFind classroom-focused opportunities to incorporate experiential education. This can include the use of role play and designing simulation activities for the classroom.Self-Reflection Pathway

Cornell University, Problem Based Learning

Harvard's ABL Connect, Authentic Learning

Mueller, Jon. "Authentic Assessment Toolbox: Portfolios". Professor of Psychology, North Central College, Naperville, IL. (2018).

York University, Faculty of Health Experiential Education Resources

Explore strategies

Estimated Reading Time: 1.5 minutes

StrategyDescription and Examples PATHS Tools
Authentic Learning/ Problem Based Learning Mimic problems encountered in the professional field while using open ended prompts and have students collaborate to develop solutions.Teamwork Pathway
Self-ReflectionSelf-reflection remains a key element which requires students to link a concrete experience with their understanding of theory.Self-Reflection Pathway
Prompts, cues and guiding questions Prompt students to connect course content to real world decision making with simple prompts like, “What would you do in this situation? or ask students to look for real-world examples.
Guest speakersEngage students by inviting guest speakers from the discipline or field and ask students to reflect on this experience.Self-Reflection Pathway
Virtual learning experiencesUse escape rooms, virtual reality and simulations to help mimic real-world, hands-on learning experiences.
Field trips, community-based learningCreate opportunities for hands-on learning by using out-of-classroom experiences or community-based learning to create meaningful real-world connections.

Cornell University, Problem Based Learning

Harvard's ABL Connect, Authentic Learning

York University, Faculty of Health Experiential Education Resources

Explore strategies

Estimated Reading Time: 1 minute

StrategyDescription and Examples PATHS Tools
Authentic Learning/ Problem Based Learning Mimic problems encountered in the professional field while using open-ended prompts and have students collaborate to develop solutions. Teamwork Pathway
Case Studies Create assignments based on case studies to help students explore how what they have learned applies to real world situations.Self-Reflection Pathway

Self-Regulation Pathway
Self-ReflectionSelf-reflection remains a key element which requires students to link a concrete experience with their understanding of theory. Self-Reflection Pathway
PortfoliosDesign portfolio-based assessments where students engage in ongoing reflective practice throughout the course and develop a culminating portfolio to connect the learning to real world situations or their future career goals.Self-Reflection Pathway

Self-Regulation Pathway

Boston University Center for Teaching and Learning, Case Studies

Boston University Center for Teaching and Learning, Experiential Learning

Cornell University, Problem Based Learning

Harvard's ABL Connect, Authentic Learning

York University, Faculty of Health Experiential Education Resources

York University, Faculty of Health, "Reflection in Experiential Education"

There are various strategies to include real-world connections

Opportunities to include real-world connections in a course can be made across various disciplines and in multiple learning moments. From relevant examples outside of academic and educational podcasts to inviting guest speakers and using technology to support virtual learning experiences, you can effectively include strategies that will enhance student learning. Explore examples of strategies you can incorporate and learn more about below. 

Good Practice Self-Assessment for Instructors

Estimated Reading Time: 1 minute

Creating conditions for real-world connections

  • Using real-world examples from inside or outside of the learning environment
  • Building components into your assessment criteria that emphasize connecting theory to real-world experiences
  • Providing experiential learning and/or authentic learning opportunities

Promoting real-world connections through self-reflection

  • Identifying self-reflection opportunities in the course
  • Prompting reflective thinking to help students make connections
  • Incorporating self-reflection activities connected to course content or learning

Providing multiple ways to engage and demonstrate learning 

  • Including multi-modal instruction (audio, visual, multi-media) 
  • Ensuring learning objects are accessible and inclusive
  • Incorporating technology supports where appropriate

Boston University Center for Teaching and Learning, Experiential Learning

Cornell University, Problem Based Learning

Harvard's ABL Connect, Authentic Learning

York University, Faculty of Health Experiential Education Resources

Jan Wrenn and Bruce Wrenn. "Enhancing Learning by Integrating Theory and Practice". International Journal of Teaching and Learning in Higher Education (2009): Volume 21, Number 2, pg. 260.

Use good practices to inform your teaching plan

Use the list of good practices below as a guide and assessment tool to help you develop your plan to incorporate real-world connections.