Keeping students motivated is key.
I teach evening classes and the content of this last class completely applies to my students. Many of them come straight from work and are already exhausted. Keeping them motivated and understanding their circumstances is always challenging. I always keep encouraging them by letting them know that it will enhance their career outlook.
I teach the same course in the morning and at night. Students come to class directly from work to both courses. I find that giving students choices in activities helps keep them focused as well as motivated. In a writing assignment, for example, I might provide the topic, but they get to decide if they want to support/refute it or compare/contrast it.
