I have found that they CAN break the train of thought if they now have to figure out HOW to take the poll or survey.

However, if us instructors can have it appear and disappear smoothly, it definitely helps engagement. We are asking the students to give their opinion. They like to give their opinions. Also, if they expect that there will be more polls later in the instruction, they are motivated to pay attention.

I enjoyed the phrase, "student-centered and instructor driven".

The content also admitted that students want to hear from the instructors on their opinion or insights that can not be gleamed from their own discoveries.

Posing a problem that would be relevant to their current life can help engage them in problem solving exercises.