How to get students to participate in class?

Hey everyone! I recently wrote a guide for our faculty on student participation and wanted to share it here as well in case it might be useful for you all. 😊

How to Encourage Student Participation in Class

Getting students to participate actively in class can be a challenge, but it's also one of the most rewarding parts of teaching. When students are engaged, they learn more, build confidence, and develop important communication skills. Here are some strategies that can help encourage participation in the classroom:

1. Create a Safe and Supportive Environment

Our students are more likely to participate when they feel safe from judgment. Encourage a classroom culture where mistakes are seen as learning opportunities. Praise effort, not just correct answers, and remind students that every voice matters.

2. Use Think-Pair-Share Activities

Some students hesitate to speak in front of the whole class. With think-pair-share, students first think about a question, discuss it with a partner, and then share with the class. This gives them confidence and prepares them for speaking up.

3. Ask Open-Ended Questions

Instead of questions that have a single correct answer, try asking open-ended questions that encourage discussion. For example, instead of “What is 5 + 5?” try “What are some different ways to make 10?”

4. Use Participation Sticks or Cards

Write each student's name on a popsicle stick or card and randomly select one when asking questions. This ensures that all students get a chance to participate rather than just the ones who always raise their hands.

5. Incorporate Movement and Hands-On Activities

Some students learn better through movement. Use activities like acting out concepts, writing answers on whiteboards, or playing interactive games to keep students engaged.

6. Offer Choices and Student-Led Discussions

Giving students choices about how they participate can increase engagement. Let them choose between answering a question, drawing their response, or discussing with a group. You can also assign student leaders to guide discussions.

7. Use Technology to Engage Students

Tools like Kahoot, Quizizz, and Google Jamboard make participation fun and interactive. Many students feel more comfortable responding digitally before speaking in class.

Encouraging participation takes time, but with consistent effort, students will become more comfortable learning together, sharing, and active in the classroom.

Happy teaching!