Lesson 6.2: Making Lessons Interesting and Encouraging Student Participation

Interest and Motivation

• Interest: Students will engage more with learning if they are interested in the what and how they learn.
• Motivation: Students are more motivated to learn if it is relevant to their interests.

The right approach can make even the most “boring” subject interesting.

Try These Ideas

• Use real-world examples that students can relate to.
• Tell stories to illustrate concepts.
• Use props or visual aids.
• Incorporate movement into lessons.
• Use technology when appropriate (videos, interactive games, etc.).

Encouraging Student Participation

Active learning is engaging learning.

Ways to Get Students Involved

• Ask open-ended questions—students can’t answer with just yes or no.
• Use think-pair-share activities (students think alone, then discuss with a partner, then share with the class).
• Have students teach each other.
• Use hands-on activities and experiments.
• Encourage respectful debate and discussion.

Remember, the more students do, the more they learn!