What is an effective way for instructors to teach students that what they learned is a part of a bigger lesson?

Ending the lesson with a trailer is an effective way to teach students that what they've learned is part of a larger context. This technique creates anticipation and connects the current lesson to future lessons. It acts as a bridge, encouraging students to think about how today's material relates to upcoming concepts, fostering a sense of continuity in their learning journey. By framing the lesson as part of a bigger narrative, students can see the relevance and practical application of their knowledge, which enhances retention and engagement.

Visual aids, written summaries, and starting with an overview offer valuable instructional strategies, but they serve different purposes. Visual aids enhance understanding during the lesson, while a written summary provides a recap, and an overview sets the stage for new material. Each approach plays a role in the teaching process, but the idea of using a "trailer" captures students' curiosity and emphasizes the interconnectedness of lessons in a compelling and memorable way.