What is "The Hook"?
The Hook is a short introduction to a lesson that is meant to introduce the topic to the class and to get them interested in what they are about to learn. It is meant to grab or “hook” your student’s attention. The Hook can take a variety of forms such as a short story, riddle, analogy, using a prop, a short song or video, or picture. Things to keep in mind while creating a hook is that it only lasts a few minutes, it’s energetic and optimistic, and it’s not needed for every lesson (it is recommended to be used on the first lesson of a topic).
The Hook is a short introduction to a lesson that is meant to introduce the topic to the class and to get them interested in what they are about to learn. It is meant to grab or “hook” your student’s attention. The Hook can take a variety of forms such as a short story, riddle, analogy, using a prop, a short song or video, or picture. Things to keep in mind while creating a hook is that it only lasts a few minutes, it’s energetic and optimistic, and it’s not needed for every lesson (it is recommended to be used on the first lesson of a topic).
Why is it Effective?
The Hook is an effective strategy because it goes along with the Expectancy Theory of Motivation. The Expectancy Theory of Motivation states that a student’s expectancy (how well they expect to do) and value (how much they value the topic) effects their achievement motivation which effects their achievement behaviors. In other words, applied to the hook, if a student finds value in what they are about to learn, they are more motivated to learn the topic. The Hook can tap into a student’s intrinsic interests (the student will pay attention if it is fun). Others may find instrumental value in the hook such as the rewards of real world success. Some may find the relational value of rewarding to others (example, if a student learns biology concepts, that will help them become a doctor and help others). A teacher should use the Hook as a way to get students to value what they are about to learn so they will be interested and motivated to learn.
The Hook is an effective strategy because it goes along with the Expectancy Theory of Motivation. The Expectancy Theory of Motivation states that a student’s expectancy (how well they expect to do) and value (how much they value the topic) effects their achievement motivation which effects their achievement behaviors. In other words, applied to the hook, if a student finds value in what they are about to learn, they are more motivated to learn the topic. The Hook can tap into a student’s intrinsic interests (the student will pay attention if it is fun). Others may find instrumental value in the hook such as the rewards of real world success. Some may find the relational value of rewarding to others (example, if a student learns biology concepts, that will help them become a doctor and help others). A teacher should use the Hook as a way to get students to value what they are about to learn so they will be interested and motivated to learn.
Implementation in My Classroom
In the future I plan on teaching elementary age students. If I was teaching a fourth grade lesson on echolocation, I would use a hook that would give my students a challenge. I would ask my students to pair up in groups. One student in each group would put on a blind fold. The other would move to a different spot in the room. The blindfolded student would have to make noises (simulating the use of echolocation) to find their partner (who is silent) in the room. This short 3-5 minute activity will introduce students to the topic of echolocation. It will spark their interest in how an animal can use noises to find objects and food.
In the future I plan on teaching elementary age students. If I was teaching a fourth grade lesson on echolocation, I would use a hook that would give my students a challenge. I would ask my students to pair up in groups. One student in each group would put on a blind fold. The other would move to a different spot in the room. The blindfolded student would have to make noises (simulating the use of echolocation) to find their partner (who is silent) in the room. This short 3-5 minute activity will introduce students to the topic of echolocation. It will spark their interest in how an animal can use noises to find objects and food.