Assess each student's learning style. When you develop assignments that are suited for the different learning styles, you are more likely to grab students' attention because you are teaching them in the way they learn best.
Recognize the multiple intelligences. Although it seems like such an obvious step, talking to students is one of the most important things you can do to motivate them. Talking, in this example, does not mean lecturing or giving directions; it means that you get to know students and learn their intelligences, or learning interests. By assigning activities that are developed around what students like and how they think, they are automatically more interested in the learning.
Create assessments that allow students to work at their ability level. Benjamin Bloom created a taxonomy of learning in which he divided thinking into six levels. If a student is low-functioning, he will struggle with activities that ask him to use higher-order thinking skills. Similarly, a gifted student would become bored if only completing lower-order activities. In both scenarios, students lose interest, so assigning activities appropriate to their individual abilities will increase motivation.
Vary your methods of instruction. It is totally acceptable to lecture students if the information calls for that technique, but make sure that you change your approach to teaching so that students who do not learn by listening have a fair chance to absorb the new material. Understanding will aid motivation.
Develop a good rapport with parents. When parents are on your side, they are more likely to encourage their children to try harder. That support will often be enough to keep students motivated.