In organizing lesson material, which step sets the stage for everything to come?

The introduction serves as the pivotal step in organizing lesson material because it sets the stage for everything that follows. During this phase, the instructor engages students by providing an overview of the lesson's objectives, expected outcomes, and the relevance of the topic to the learners’ experiences or interests. This is crucial as it prepares students mentally for the content being delivered and helps to establish a framework that links new information to what they already know.

By effectively communicating what will be covered and why it matters, the introduction captures students' attention and encourages their investment in the lesson. This initial engagement is vital as it can significantly influence students' openness to absorbing the information presented in subsequent lessons. All these elements contribute to creating a solid foundation for the lesson, ensuring that students are informed, motivated, and ready to participate.