To improve student participation during a course, here are a few ideas that I have experimented with:

Turn the education model into a workshop or project-based experience.

Take students individually and ask them what challenges they are currently facing and what type of exchange they need with you to overcome that challenge.

Read more: What are the different coaching styles or modes?

Use a random generator to pick a student's name and a random action.

For example, ask a question, add an idea and develop a counterargument.

I've used the website Wheelofnames to create such random generators.

This stimulates students to stay aware during the course as they know they may have to answer a question or do something.

Ask students to co-design the course with you and to adapt it as it evolves.

Make them teach instead.