STUDENT ENGAGEMENT TO INITIATE INSTRUCTION.

This research investigates student engagement through four assignments designed to stimulate classroom discussion. Three assignments, "Commercial Break," "Google Trends," and "What's Viral," were deployed in an undergraduate marketing class, while "Global Minute Chat" was utilized in an international business course. Students select topics of interest, preparing short presentations for class. These assignments serve as icebreakers, setting the tone and transitioning into daily topics. The assignments foster public speaking skills and provoke discussion. Faculty connect presentations to course theory, deepening engagement. Survey results from four courses show positive student impressions, value, aid in learning, and the confirmation these assignments should be used in future courses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]