An instructor can recapture the inattentive student by:

Asking a direct question is an effective strategy to recapture an inattentive student’s focus. This method actively engages the student by prompting them to think and respond, thus drawing them back into the lesson. When an instructor poses a direct question, it not only stimulates the student’s cognitive processes but also creates an opportunity for interaction, fostering a sense of involvement in the learning experience. This active engagement helps refocus their attention and encourages participation, making the learning environment more dynamic.

Other strategies may have merits as well, like changing the lesson plan or utilizing multimedia, but they don't directly engage the student at the moment of inattention in the same way that a direct question does. Reducing the information presented could simplify the lesson but might not specifically aid in re-engaging an individual student who has drifted off. Thus, direct questioning is a targeted approach to improve student attentiveness and involvement.