I try to keep all of my students engaged by making personal connections with every student, every day. At the beginning of class we do a "line up" at which point I speak to the students on a "how are you today" basis, these daily discussions evolve as i get to know the students and can help with problematic students by adding an element of personal expectations. Once the students know that I truly care about their personal lives and that I am truly willing to assist in any way possible to help them be successful they develop a sense of pride and will do whatever it takes to be successful in my class at the risk of not letting me down.