We report on the design and outcomes of an intervention teaching program that was implemented in a tertiary physics class in Taiwan. By providing the students with context-rich questions and sufficient time for thinking and discussion, the program aimed to stimulate students' intellectual engagement and intended to promote their participation in learning practice. The program was assessed by interviewing students (N=14) as well as by surveying the students' opinions in confidential questionnaires (N=380). The results indicate the successful nature of the program in terms of promoting engagement in learning situation, students taking more responsibility for their learning and promoting interest and enjoyment in learning physics. However, there was no evidence to suggest an improvement in traditional tests.