The idea of dividing lectures into 10-15 min increments should make planning/ preparing to teach easier. Diversifying content delivery keeps students and instructors engaged. 

Sticking to your "to-do" list and setting a positive tone for the course from the very first day is vital! Also, learning each student's name establishes a good rapport. 

If we consider the syllabus to be a contract between instructor and student, it reinforces the need for it to be detailed and comprehensive.

There is a boundary between encouragement, support and enablement! Students require our praise however, we must empower them to take learning into their own hands and motivate them to continue progressing towards their goal(s).