Learning to transfer, to apply previous knowledge and skills to new contexts, requires a great deal of practice. Most learning is highly context-bound, and few students become skilled at applying what they've learned in one context to another similar context. In fact, many students cannot recognize things they've already learned if the context is shifted at all. Give them many different examples of the same concepts or principles, and make sure they see where the similarities and the differences are. Challenge students to identify and then create similar but different examples or problems.
High expectations encourage high achievement.
Begin by finding out what your students expect of themselves in your class, letting them know what you expect and discussing those expectations. Begin the course with assignments that diligent students can succeed in. Have learners interview successful former students, or invite them to class, to illustrate that high expectations can be realized. To be most effective, teachers need to balance levels of intellectual challenge and instructional support. This also helps explain why students of lower ability or weaker preparation often benefit from and appreciate highly structured courses.