Participation adds interest — It’s hard to maintain students’ focus and attention when all they hear is the professor talking.
Participation engages students — This benefit is magnified when teachers play a bit with the question, when they repeat it, write it on the board, and don’t call on the first hand they see.
Participation provides the teacher feedback — When students answer or try to explain, teachers can see the extent of their understanding.
Participation provides the student's feedback — When teachers ask questions or otherwise seek student input over a topic, they are letting students know something about the importance of certain ideas and information.
Participation can be used to promote preparation — If an instructor regularly calls on students and asks questions about assigned reading or what’s in their notes from the previous class session, that can get students coming to class prepared.
Used to control what is happening in the classroom – if a student is sleeping, texting, chatting quietly, or otherwise not participating in what is happening, then that student can be called
Balance who’s a contribution in class and how much — In the vast majority of cases, it is the teacher who selects the participants.
Participation encourages dialogue among and between students — Students can be asked to comment on what another student has said.