Preparation & Organization
Be prepared and organized. Classes beginning immediately allow the instructor to cover all the material necessary in the given time and it allows the students to focus and develop a routine.
I think that treating students with respect initially and treating them like professionals will get the best response. Intially students will test you but if you are consistent in your approach they begin to respect you. Respect needs to be earned. If the students respect you they are more motivated to perform.
Don't like them--students dislike not being trusted, and they're right. There are better ways to motivate them.
What about using a pop quiz at the beginning of the class to encourage preparedness?
As part of my preparation, I always include some "breathers," or lightweight discussion points, along with the instruction. Students need to be re-motivated at regular intervals or they will become bored or sated.
