1. Change your room layout Rearrange students’ desks into a different formation to increase participation and encourage collaboration. Putting desks into a U shape lets you easily walk around to keep students alert and to monitor progress on assignments. Another option: Try pairing students with partners you know work well together so that the desks are grouped in twos, or in groups of four if you want them to do a collaborative end-of-the-year project. 2. Talk less, particip