What is usually the focus during the anticipatory set of a lesson?

The focus during the anticipatory set of a lesson is primarily about engaging students with new content. This initial phase is designed to capture students' interest and activate their curiosity, creating a context for what they are about to learn. It often involves presenting a hook or a thought-provoking question that relates to the upcoming material, which helps students connect prior knowledge with new concepts.

By generating excitement and enthusiasm for the lesson, the anticipatory set sets the stage for deeper engagement and participation. This engagement is crucial as it prepares students mentally and emotionally for the learning process, encouraging them to invest in the new information they will encounter. It is not simply about evaluating prior knowledge, providing detailed instructions, or reviewing previous lessons, though acknowledging what students already know can be part of a broader teaching strategy; the main goal in this phase is to establish a strong link to the new content to be introduced.