Hi Timothy, I think students become disengaged because they are disinterested, unpreprepared, don't understand, are ill, sleepy or tired, or significant back side of their life events are occupying their thoughts (financial, relationships, child care, personal stress or worries). Being upbeat and enthusiastic seems to energize a sluggish class. Bringing the lesson back to the core of why they are studying this material, it's importance, and relating it to their profession can be helpful. Asking students to discuss a topic individually then present to the class helps induce participation. Every situation is different but being understanding (rather than critical) can go a long way to getting student focsed on class topics. Barry Westling