Don't rush in order to cover all the course content. If you do they will quickly forget it. Don't be concerned if all the content isn't covered. It is more important to be effective than efficient. That carpenter is not the Best who makes more chips than all the Rest.
Praise builds confidence and enhances desirable behaviours.
Criticism damages a person's ego but does not stamp out undesirable behaviour. A pat on the back is only a few vertebrae removed from a kick in the pants, but is miles ahead in results . You can use them to upgrade the quality of discussion and increase cohesiveness. Allow periods of silence to occur. We confirm our existence when we become mentally and emotionally excited.