What is the primary objective of an effective lesson introduction?

An effective lesson introduction serves to provide a road map for learning, which is critical in setting clear expectations and guiding students through the learning process. This involves outlining the goals and objectives of the lesson, explaining what students can anticipate, and showing relevance to the material they'll be covering. By doing so, it helps students to focus their attention on the key concepts and understand the structure of the lesson, which enhances their engagement and retention of the material.

When students know what to expect and how the lesson will unfold, they can better prepare themselves to absorb the content. This approach facilitates a smoother transition into the main lesson and contributes to overall learning effectiveness. In contrast, assessing prior knowledge, while important, is part of the introductory process but is not the sole focus. Creating a competitive environment and assigning roles in group tasks are tactics that come into play during lesson activities but are not fundamental to the objective of introducing the lesson effectively.