Whether students can engage themselves in the class is a key factor for study. The more they invest their energy into class, the better result will be.
How to help students improve their engagement needs effort from both the students and teachers.
Following is a link which provide several tips for strengthening students' engagement. Only when students realize the important of critical thinking can they get good academic result. We instructors should constantly explore new ways to attract their attention in class.
http://www.facultyfocus.com/articles/effective-teaching-strategies/10-ways-to-promote-student-engagement/