Posted on February 20th, 2025

By Dr. Emir Cruz Fernández

Why Purpose Matters

Think about a small child’s curiosity—the endless stream of “why” questions about the world around them. They are fascinated by everything, eager to understand how things work and what they mean. But as we grow older, that natural curiosity often fades, especially if no one encourages us to keep asking questions.

This loss of curiosity can lead to a deeper issue: the loss of purpose. Without a sense of direction, we may go through the motions of life without motivation or passion. Research suggests that individuals without a sense of purpose are more vulnerable to boredom, anxiety, depression, and even destructive behaviors (Taylor, 2013). This is true not only for adults but also for students in our classrooms.

Recognizing the Disengaged Student

Every teacher has encountered students who seem to be in class just because they have to be. They don’t engage with the material, rarely participate, and often respond with shrugs or disinterest. These students lack a sense of purpose in their learning, making them more likely to be disruptive, disengaged, and unmotivated.

As educators, it is our responsibility to help students find meaning in their education. While we may occasionally hear, “Why do I need to learn this?”—instead of dismissing the question, we should take it as an opportunity to inspire and guide.

Making Learning Relevant

One of the most effective ways to help students find purpose is by making learning relevant to their lives. Not every student will become a scientist, mathematician, or historian, but that doesn’t mean our subjects are meaningless to them. The key is to connect lessons to real-world applications that resonate with their interests.

“Teachers around the country are discovering that these types of real-world projects provide the perfect foundation to naturally integrate content understanding” (Tarango, 2019). When students see the direct impact of what they are learning, they become more engaged and invested in their education.

Strategies to Help Students Find Purpose

So, how can we as educators foster a sense of purpose in our students?

1. Incorporate Real-World Projects – Design activities that connect classroom content to real-life situations. Whether it’s budgeting in math class, analyzing social issues in history, or applying scientific concepts to everyday life, students will feel more invested when they see the relevance of their learning.
2. Tap Into Their Interests – Learn about your students' hobbies and passions, and find ways to integrate them into your lessons. If a student loves music, explore mathematical patterns in rhythm. If they are passionate about sports, use statistics in your teaching.
3. Encourage Self-Reflection – Ask students to think about their future goals and how their education plays a role in achieving them. Journals, discussions, or even vision boards can help them see the bigger picture.
4. Set SMART Goals – Guide students in setting Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Realistic, and Timely goals. When students have clear objectives, they are more likely to stay motivated and engaged.
5. Challenge and Support Them – Help students realize their potential by setting high expectations while offering the guidance they need to succeed. Confidence grows when they see themselves overcoming challenges.

The Impact of Purpose-Driven Learning

When students find purpose in their learning, everything changes. They become more engaged, participate more actively, and develop a stronger sense of self-worth. By helping them establish connections between their education and their personal aspirations, we empower them to take charge of their learning journey.

Ultimately, a student who sees purpose in their education is not just learning for a grade—they are learning for life. And as teachers, we have the power to ignite that sense of meaning in them, guiding them toward a brighter, more fulfilling future.