Ace the Educating All Students (EAS) Challenge 2025 – Rally Your Teaching Superpowers!

Increasing expectations for student performance is a highly effective way to boost student participation. When teachers set high but attainable expectations, they challenge students to engage more deeply with the material. This approach encourages students to invest effort in their learning and take ownership of their educational outcomes. High expectations can motivate students to participate more actively in class discussions, group work, and projects, fostering a deeper understanding of the subject matter.

Moreover, when students see that their contributions are valued and can meet these expectations, it builds their confidence and promotes a growth mindset. Creating a classroom culture where effort is recognized and celebrated can transform how students view challenges, leading them to participate more fully.

In contrast, other approaches such as decreasing task rigor, avoiding volunteers, or minimizing discussions can lead to reduced engagement and participation. Lowering the difficulty of tasks might lead students to feel less challenged and therefore less inclined to participate actively. Additionally, limiting discussions restricts opportunities for students to share their thoughts and ideas, which can diminish their willingness to engage with the material and contribute to the learning community.