A middle school teacher notices that students are reluctant to participate in discussions. What is the most effective strategy to increase engagement?

Providing think time after asking probing questions is an effective strategy for increasing student engagement in discussions. This approach allows students the opportunity to process the question, consider their responses, and formulate their thoughts before sharing them with the class. By giving students this pause, they can gather their ideas and feel more confident in contributing to the discussion, which tends to lead to a richer and more thoughtful dialogue.

In addition, think time accommodates different learning styles and gives quieter students a chance to participate without the pressure of instant responses. This practice not only encourages deeper thinking but also fosters a more inclusive environment where all students feel their input is valued.

The other strategies, while they may have their merits, do not promote engagement as effectively. For example, having students answer questions on paper in class may not encourage verbal participation and can lead to disengagement. Asking students to respond online for homework moves the discussion outside of the classroom, potentially missing the immediate benefits of live interaction. Lastly, using an oral pop quiz to assess understanding can create anxiety and discourage participation, rather than foster a collaborative learning experience.