How to get students to answer questions and participate in group discussions.

This is a useful tip for elementary grade students.

Have all of your students names written on Popsicle sticks and placed in an open jar or container. Select random sticks to answer questions or explain thoughts and ideas formed while lesson was given. Since the sticks are randomly selected, all students should be prepared to answer, thus remaining focused on lesson content. For students you believe may be struggling with subject matter, try to place their stick in a position that will be selected more often. This way the struggling students are made to answer or pose a question that can be assessed by the teacher to ensure their understanding of the material.