Create an environment designed for learning. Arrange the chairs in a U-shape, so the students can see and talk to each other during discussions. If you teach a large number of students in a lecture hall, ask them to move to the front of the classroom so all empty seats are toward the back.
Vary your teaching methods to keep your students from becoming bored. If you gave a lecture one day, have your students do group work the next day. Dividing your students into groups helps them interact with each other to analyze the subject matter you’re teaching.
Model a positive attitude. Show your students that you’re genuinely interested in the subject you’re teaching by smiling and speaking in a clear voice.
Show your students you value them by learning their names. When you talk to a student in class, address her by her name. For example, say, “Mary, what did you think about the chapter you read last night?”
Don’t call on the same volunteers. Make eye contact with the less-active participants to encourage them to share their opinion.
Give the students encouraging and specific responses to their contributions. Refrain from giving students the same responses. If they don’t hear varied responses, they will likely be less motivated to participate. If a student gives a vague answer, ask him a follow-up question to encourage him to elaborate.