I find the best way to engage students is to do some small group work on a topic, and then bring it back to the lecture. Students tend to open up if they feel their peers know them on some level, and are less timid to speak up in class. It creates a bond in the classroom, and allows students to share and learn from each others mistakes and experiences. It also helps the students to feel part of the learning process, and that the instructor is indeed interested in hearing what they have to say. I always throw in… >>>