Controlling Center of Attention students
Create notecards, one for each student with their name. Draw from that pile to determine who you call on to answer questions.
Establishing that methodology cuts off some of the center of attention guys at the pass, since they can't just blurt stuff out.
I will ask if this has anything to do with the topic of the course being taught. sometimes my Center of Attention guy (I only have one this session) will be thinking ahead, or have a good thought on something that is relevant to the course but not the day's lecture/activities. Since we have become familiar with eachother over the months I have had him in class he has refined his attention getting behaviour, and sometimes breaks up a boring topic with a well placed laugh that helps us all refocus and re-energize. If I let his behaviour become a positive motivator he enjoys the class and is more willing to pay attention and do the work and disrupt the class less. In his words I use his evil powers for good.
