Gaining and holding student attention is a daily, hourly, and—sometimes—even a minute-by-minute challenge. We need students’ attention if we want them to learn, whether we are engaging with them individually or as a group. However, finding and choosing the right approaches can be challenging.
Of course, we can take a direct path by telling students to pay attention, but such admonitions can become routine and their power to attract attention can diminish. Threats can lose their impact and often repeated exhortations become background noise.
The best attention-grabbing approaches tend to be interesting invitations, surprising promises, and compelling requests. Additionally, holding student attention is easiest when they see a purpose for what they are learning, or how it will play a meaningful role in what will happen. Here are seven phrases we can use as starting places to capture and hold the attention of our students, depending on the topic, issue, or subject.
“Have you ever wondered why ________ happens? Today we are going to find out.” This question can be a great way to create interest and spark curiosity. Of course, some students may never have given the issue or circumstance any thought, but our introduction is an invitation to consider and a promise to discover something new.
“I am curious to hear your thoughts on something I am considering.” This statement communicates our interest in how students will respond to something that we are thinking about or planning. We are seeking their perspectives and offering to consider what they think before we decide.
“Let’s think about this in a different way.” These words send a message that there are different ways to approach an issue or think about a problem. The invitation can be a timely way to nudge students from becoming stuck in a less than helpful way of considering a problem or confronting a challenge. It also can be a strategy to help students reframe something that has happened in their lives or with their learning.
“I think you are going to find this interesting.” This statement sets the stage and invites students to listen for something novel, surprising, ironic, or engaging. It can be utilized to introduce a mystery, a surprising fact, or an unusual happening. The idea is to draw notice, create readiness, and build curiosity for what will come next.
“Tell me a little more about that.” This request invites students to continue to share information or details on a topic about which they have already spoken. It can be a way of collecting information related to an incident, a feeling, or an area of confusion. Importantly, this statement communicates our interest in, and our valuing of what students say.
“Can I ask a favor?” This question may seem curious. Yet, it is powerful. Asking a favor is a compliment. It implies that the other person has the power to accomplish something that would be helpful to us or others. It also gives the person who does the favor a sense of value and our respect.
“Let me tell you a story.” The prospect of a story is inherently interesting. Our brains are wired for stories. We might recount something from our experience, share a metaphor, provide an example within a narrative, or place an aspect of what is to be learned in the context of a storyline.
What other phrases, invitations, questions, or requests have you found to be useful in attracting and holding students’ attention? Be sure to share your best strategies with colleagues and collect the “best of their best.” The more options we have to choose from, the more likely we will be to find what works.
