One thing I found helpful when teaching a class is to get away from the attitude that I know everything and you know nothing. Yes I have more experience than my students but that does not mean I can't learn from them. Whenever a student conveys an question, comment, idea or story try not to quickly shut them down. One of the worst things one can do to a student is making them feel as though they are insignificant. This is a quick way to not only loose the student, but deter the class from participating. One technique I use is to ask the class for feedback on the question, comment, idea or story. If the question is a technical one, I have the class do research to see if they can find the answer. By encouraging this activity, my classes become very interactive and fun.