How do I keep my students responding?

How about if you use some innovative strategies in your class like incorporating games, music, dance or anything that they are interested in? Their focus may be on the game but you are integrating the lesson slowly. This will take a lot of preparation but it may be an effective way for them to learn while they enjoy the class. Learning will then be a fun and enjoying experience. :-)

proper motivation is necessary to keep discussion alive. spontaneous or substantive dialogue would help for he student to participate. when you are about to ask question and you have problem interpreting it to your student at least give them a hint or clue for the possible answer. use the punishment and reward strategy for them to become alive/ active . however you must be very careful

You must make them to feel that you are very friendly to them and you must be very polite and kind! If you appreciate a answer from them they will be always ready to give a answer to your question.

You don't say how old your students are, so what works for me may not work for you. I teach English to Thais (all over fourteen- no kids), and I find if the students are becoming passive I usually start an activity that gets them up and mingling, or a competitive activity that has them running to the board. Good luck.

As a student, I would say that some interactive activities make the lectures more interesting. While teaching you can ask the students to share their personal experience which suit the example for the topic you are covering. People like to tell about themselves and if you listen to them interestingly, they will also enjoy your lectures

Well teach them through pictures and objects, this will make any studying interesting.