I let my students know their grade at the end of each class (they can see their performance on tests, homework, quiz's, class participation, etc.) This is done on a real time basis, individually. This fact let's them know what they need to know to keep their grade or improve it.

Bring in a guest lecture from a non-traditional educational background that will show how that individual was able to succeed (in light of age, financial ability,and family support or lack thereof.)I have a contact of a full-professor from the University of Akron that would be willing to do this. I am sure that other instructors can do the same thing.