@gmeers :
I've learned that surprise quizzes and tests help motivate students to retain information and pay better attention! I mostly teach cerfitication courses as it relates to IT, so I'm very adamant about students paying attention and every class practically dictate that employers will be looking at their resume to see what industry-standard certifications they have that will most likely determine whether or not they get hired. I also tell them every class to not let the learning stop when you leave the classroom at the end of the night and to not just use one book for reference when it comes to knowledge. I give tons of practice tests and walk through things slowly so they understand things, and always take time to ask every so often if anyone has any questions. It's when nobody raises their hands that I start asking questions about the things we just went over and when nobody raises their hands, I put them on the spot and make them think through and give an answer to make sure I know they understand the topics we just discussed.
