Talkative students may be a good thing
I've had a few in my classes in the past 10 years of teaching and if the subject that day is a bit of a downer that talkative student actually brings something to the subject to liven it up.
I have been in a classroom full of students who were NOT talkers and boy did I have an interesting hour ahead of me!! The non talkers usually don't volunteer because: they're afraid to be wrong,they're shy by nature, or they simply don't wanna! Whatever the reason, the TALKERS offer a nice alternative to a deathly silent classroom. We simply must use the ideas in ED104 to manage their very boistrous behavior.
Hi Carol,
It sounds like you have students who provide great input, which makes for a better experience.
Patricia Scales
The class I have currently has two exactly like you describe. If one of them is absent the enery is decidedly off. The class enjoys and learns from both of them and because of that they also learn more from each other. Everyone has something to say.
I try to employ the more talkative students as a launch pad for others to join in. For example, say Rachel is introverted or an isolationist learner, and Raymond is the opposite. After Raymond shares his ideas, I prompt Rachel with "Rachel, what do you think of what Raymond just said? Does that make sense to you?" Rachel may not like being put in the spotlight like that, and if that's the case, I have a sideline conversation with her after class and explain to her why I want/need her to be involved. I, of course, compliment her in some way such as, "Rachel, it is not my intention to embarass you. Truly, I sense you are an intelligent and mature person, and I think the class - including ME - will benefit from your insights. So that's why I ask you to join in. It's not just for YOUR own good, but for the benefit of all of us."
The Rachels of the world often respond well to this kind of feedback because it places them in a leadership position - a SAFE position - to serve others. Confidence and satisfaction often increase in that regard.
Hi Michael,
Awesome! We need students like these in class. Imagine what class would be like if we did not have any talkers? Talkers spark the excitement and engery.
Patricia Scales
I agree. I have a couple of students that I can always count on to "contribute." One of them is an older male student who speaks from experience and his classmates appreciate his insights. I know I can count on him to provide perspective.
The other one is younger, and not long out of high school, but is street smart and a little cocky, but respectful. Getting him to STOP talking is sometimes the challenge, but his sense of humor bails him out...usually.
For each of these, I know if I need to spark discussion, I can trigger one of them and off we go. They prime the pump.
