Hi Mark,
I encounter this same situation often with my students so I understand your challenge. Keep up your strategy and as frequently as you can make immediate application of the new knowledge that has been shared. This may increase their engagement and understanding which is essential for their success.
Gary
I've noticed a relatively new trend in student response: the look-nod response. If I look at you, you nod. At first, I thought the student was responding to what I said and was indicating understanding and/or agreement. Then I began to notice that the nodding students were nodding any time I looked at them, regardless of what I said. Further observation suggested the response was merely response to my glance at them, not to any personal engagement. I don't know yet about their engaged response to my more aware response, but it's certainly made me more aware!
