Have you ever noticed that when people don’t see the relevance of what they’re learning, they tune out—whether it’s students in a classroom or employees in a training session? If learners don’t understand the “but why” something matters, they won’t care. And if they don’t care, they won’t learn.

In this episode of The People Teaching People Podcast, we’re diving into how relevance and purpose can transform learning from a passive experience into something truly engaging and impactful. From connecting content to real-world applications to using reflection, discussion, and feedback loops, we’ll explore practical ways to make learning stick.

Make sure you get your FREE Guide: Teaching Tool – But Why?

Listen in as we talk about:

2:51 The power of “But why?”

4:20 Why relevance matters in learning

7:39 Turning “But why?” into “Now I get It!”

15:21 Engaging learners beyond information

17:16 Making learning stick

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When learners ask, “but why?”, they’re not just being curious. They’re searching for meaning. Relevance in learning connects new information to their experiences, goals, or interests, while purpose helps them see why it matters in their lives or careers. Without this connection, learning feels like a checklist rather than something valuable. If people don’t understand the “why,” they disengage – mentally planning dinner, making grocery lists, or checking hockey stats instead of paying attention. But when learning feels relevant and purposeful, it sticks, leading to deeper engagement and real impact. If learners don’t know why something matters, they won’t care and if they don’t care, they won’t learn.

“When the ‘but why’ is clear, learning isn’t just relevant – it’s transformative.”

From classrooms to corporate training rooms, the “but why” is the foundation of engagement and retention. Studies show that when learners, whether students, employees, or clients, don’t see the relevance of what they’re being taught, they check out, leading to lost opportunities for critical thinking, problem-solving, and growth. But when the purpose is clear, engagement soars, motivation strengthens, and information sticks. Understanding the “but why” transforms learning from something to get through into something that truly matters – whether it’s algebra helping with real-world problem-solving or leadership training shaping career success. When learning is relevant, it’s not just absorbed – it’s applied, remembered, and used to create real impact.

To make learning truly meaningful, we need to go beyond simply presenting information. We need to help learners see the “but why” behind it. Whether it’s high school chemistry or corporate training, the key is making it relevant. This means connecting new concepts to real-world applications, telling compelling stories, providing concrete examples, and building on prior knowledge. Addressing misconceptions, showing the benefits, and even highlighting the consequences of not knowing can make a huge difference in engagement and retention. When learners understand why something matters, they’re more likely to stay motivated, absorb information, and apply it in meaningful ways. When learning is connected to real-world meaning, it shifts from something to endure to something that inspires growth and action.

Understanding the “but why” behind learning isn’t just about making content relevant. It’s about making it engaging. To move learners from passive listeners to active participants, encourage reflection with thought-provoking questions, have them brainstorm real-life applications, and foster peer discussions where they can share insights and experiences. Feedback loops are another key tool – checking in regularly ensures learners are making meaningful connections and allows for immediate clarification. When learners actively engage with content and see how it applies to their own lives, they’re more likely to stay motivated, absorb information, and put it into action. Learning isn’t just about what we take in. It’s about how we connect, reflect, and apply it to our own experiences.

Addressing the “but why” in learning isn’t just about engagement. It’s about making knowledge meaningful and lasting. To do this, consider how you can connect your material to real-world situations, industry trends, or learners’ personal and professional goals. Identify common misconceptions and tackle them head-on to reinforce understanding. Encourage learners to reflect on why the material matters to them, helping them see its long-term value. When people understand the relevance of what they’re learning, they’re more likely to stay engaged, remember it, and apply it. Before teaching anything, ask yourself: Have I answered the “but why?” If you have, learning will be more impactful, memorable, and meaningful.

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• Association for Talent Development (ATD): ATD Research – Organizations are Experiencing a Leadership Skills Gap
  
• Emergn: The Pursuit of Effective Workplace Training
  
• Gallup: K-12 Schools Struggle to Engage Gen Z Students