How can I make my teaching style more student-directed and what is the best way to motivate the kids, particularly, seniors? I teach physics in...

I have 29 years in the NYC Dept. of Education and am a
science educator. As for motivating students, you have to try to do experiments in
science so that the learning is meaningful. Hands on activities are always the most
memorable. Even in a city, I have taken my kids outside to go bird-watching, look at
ecological succession, weathering and erosion. Give the students workshop projects to
collaborate on,  in a team. If you have a school library and computers, give the
students clear guidelines and a rubric on how you are going to grade them, and let them
research, write up and present their topics to their classmates. Stress that the
environment is friendly during presentations, and that this is excellent practice for
college or a career. Have students practice their public speaking skills. It is a
confidence booster. Try to learn what resources are available in your city, whether it
be a successful person in the field who wants to give back by presenting to your class,
museums, science facilities and local colleges, all are available to be taken advantage
of by your students. Let students use technology to learn by creating their own
powerpoints, brochures, digital photography, etc. There is no limit to what you can do.
Try to relate physics to their everyday life. Students are interested in race cars and
sports and these things can be related to physics easily. These are just a few
suggestions. Good luck.