He learns all his students' names in the first class, because he believes that makes them more involved. He also positions the desks in a semi-circle so class discussion is easier. If everyone in the class feels involved and knows they have to speak usually every class, they get motivated to keep up with the materials and pay attention. Each year the University Distinguished Teacher Award is given to one FSU faculty member who has a record of excellent teaching throughout his or her career. I can truly attest to the amount of time, energy and concern he puts into every single class.
Students nominate the candidates for the award.
Then administrators randomly select 30 of the nominee's former students whose grades represent the range the professor has awarded and ask them to evaluate him. I really make an effort to keep things interesting in class. I like to have my teaching be well designed, and I hope it pays off.