To encourage students to actively participate in group activities, create a welcoming and inclusive environment where they feel comfortable sharing their ideas. Highlight the benefits of collaboration, such as improved learning outcomes and enhanced social skills. Offer a variety of activities to cater to different interests and abilities, ensuring that everyone can find something they enjoy. Utilize icebreakers and team-building exercises to foster connections among students. Finally, recognize and celebrate their contributions, reinforcing positive experiences that motivate ongoing participation.

For enthusiastic participation in group activities students' involvement in finalising the activities and groups is crucial. Provide autonomy and foster a sense of ownership. Have myriad activities and allow students to select as per their interest. Students will be engaged, only if the activities align with their interest and adequately challenge them. Ensure activities are relevant and meaningful to captivate their attention and interest. They should get a platform for experimenting and unleashing creativity. Also articulate how group activities can enhance their skills and contribute to holistic development. Positive enforcement can further motivate them.

To encourage students to join group activities, start by explaining the value of collaboration, such as skill development and real-world applications. Create smaller, low-pressure groups to reduce intimidation and assign roles that play to students' strengths. Use icebreakers to build trust and make the experience more comfortable. Provide clear expectations and structure, so students know their contributions matter. Incorporate fun or gamified elements to make participation enjoyable, and offer incentives like participation points. You can also offer support to students who feel anxious about group work, fostering a positive and inclusive environment for all.

Some students need time to think about a question and don't feel comfortable sharing ideas until they are fully formed. I try to give them the questions that will be asked ahead of time and give them the space they need to think about something instead of expecting an immediate answer in front of the whole classroom. Fostering an inclusive environment is key to empowering all students in group activities. Emphasize that every idea is valued by ensuring that all contributions receive acknowledgment and appreciation. This will boost students’ confidence and get them to participate.

In recent times we see that students are lacking in engagement and are saturated with the constant exposure. To motivate them to participate we must make the activity beneficial for the student - a well defined experience must be shared prior along with the time that a student has to dedicate. The ability to change their mind should the experience not live up should also be available.