When I make an effort to get students involved in various classroom discussions, I first try to gain as much personal information as I can about each individual; at least what they’re willing to share. When we have specific discussions, I try to relate the questions to the things that they have interest in i.e. hobbies, life experiences, life goals, etc… This will encourage the student to contribute more, and they’re more willing to participate because they can relate to the discussion somehow. This is my reasoning behind getting to know all of my students. I really like to use this tactic for the students that are normally quiet and bashful, this somewhat forces them to participate in discussions because I’ve related the question to something that they’re familiar with.