Angela, Sometimes students are disengaged because their mind is preoccupied elsewhere. They may be ill, have sick kids, worried over finances, have difficulties at home, are tired, bored...etc. Overcoming these preoccupations requires a tactic that immerses them in the mission and purpose of their program, sort of a safe place from the outside world while they are attending class. In short, we have to capture their attention, then, there are many engagement and instructional strategies that are effective. Barry Westling