Katie, Engaging students (however one chooses to do that) is important to keep attention, and for the instructor to be sensitive to, in order to not lose some students who are distracted by,...whatever. Our job is to facilitate instruction to all, and allowing some students to drift away is really partially our fault, if we allow it. Circulating in the room, asking questions, and involving students in discussions are some of the ways that work and student tend to enjoy. Barry Westling