Why is connecting math to students' interests important?

Connecting math to students' interests is vital because it significantly increases their engagement and makes the learning process more relevant to their lives. When students see how mathematical concepts relate to their hobbies, future careers, or real-world scenarios they care about, they are more likely to invest time and energy into learning. This relevance helps spark curiosity, motivates them to explore the subject further, and fosters a positive attitude towards math. As a result, students are not just learning formulas or procedures in isolation but are understanding how to apply mathematics in contexts they find meaningful, leading to deeper comprehension and retention of the material.