Call on Student Frequently

Why should I do it:

Increases students’ attention and focus

Keeps students on task

Helps students attend better

Can boost students confidence

Can reduce unwanted behaviors and distractions

Can reduce talking and off task behaviors

Can increase student’s interest in the topic or task at hand

When should I do it:

When a student has difficulty with attention, focus, and remaining on task

With a talkative or chatty class, group of students, or an individual student

With classes or students that do not participate due to off task behaviors

With students misbehaving or being distracting

With students who make noises

With students who seem unengaged or disinterested

How do I do it:

You may use a system, like names in a hat, sticks with names, etc, or randomly call on students

Frequently call on students or groups of students that are off task, misbehaving, being distracting, etc.

Do not call on students who may be withdrawn or isolated due to anxiety about being called on or pointed out in front of the class without setting up a plan with that student first

With such students, you may set up a cue the student can give you when they want to be called on to answer a question or a cue the teacher will give prior to calling on them so they can prepare