One comment I would have on this is that theory is often not framed by many professors in the context of practice or application. The converse is also true.

Math theory is a beautiful thing, but if no context is provided (this can be merely history, or a story of how it was applied, rather than actual applied homework itself) would go a long way with students. Otherwise you're just teaching people the notation and rote plugging and chugging of theory, rather than true understanding of the theory.