A great way to hold students' attention is by incorporating technology like Kahoot! or Quizlet. Those platforms have interesting visuals and are very engaging. You could also create some friendly competition using gamification techniques, which might appeal to students who learn best through interactivity and competition.
Some students may benefit from hands-on group activities that foster collaboration. Assigning roles such as facilitator, recorder, and reporter encourage participation and help them develop teamwork skills too. For subjects that allow it, providing real-world examples beyond the textbooks can make lessons more meaningful and interesting. It might inspire those who learn best through practicality.
Finally, a simple but effective method is to ask thought-provoking questions often, especially after introducing new concepts. This keeps students engaged and helps you identify their level of understanding immediately. You could also use open discussions, debates, or role-playing to dive deeper into the topic. These strategies make lessons interactive and memorable!