I teach math and for most students, the topics are usually dull and boring. So, what I always try to do is first teach he subject, and then show what it means to the students. For medical tech students, how the topic relates to them; for dental tech, what it means to them,; etc. This obviously requires that I understand a little about each program being taught at the school, but that's a small price for me to pay to make the class more relavent to each and every student. Usually, the students appreciate the interest in their specific programs, and the participation and positive questions follow. The students don't claim to love math, but they do seem to respect me, which for me is half the battle in keeping them coming to class.