Engaging Students
Instead of using the words"shut up". I like to use cease and desist. It makes them look up and the what did you say look comes accross on their face.
Kimberly,
you are so right. There is no place for this kind of immaturity in the work place & it should not be allowed in the classroom.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
I don't even like when the student's tell each other to "shut up." I always try to explain that they should respect one another and me as the instructor but also that in the real world setting, this shows unprofessionalism.
I am in a kitchen environment, to reel them back in, I request their attention and have them (as a group) verbally go through the steps with me. This allows them be involved and energetic, but also keeps them focused on the information.
What a great technique. I've waited to start instructing when unruly classes are busy chatting, but have never explained why I waited so eloquently. I've usually said something like, "Alright, are we ready?" and began class at that time. I like your approach much better, because its a way to let the students know that interrupting is rude and that its something that is unacceptable by not doing it to them. I agree that accountablity is the most important thing for learners of all ages.
I agree, Shut up is one of the strongest negative words we could use in classroom enviroment.
khalid,
yes, we really do need to make them partners in the learning process.
Dr. Ryan Meers
With very unruly classes (I've had a few) I don't start until everyone is quiet and attentive. What happens is 5-10 minutes goes by, and then everyone wonders why we haven't started. Once I'm ready to begin I inform them that it would have been rude for me to interrupt, so I waited. The time they are taking up is their own. With adults, especially those preparing to go into the workforce, I believe accountability is the most important thing.
Actively engaging students is the integral strategy of the learning process,otherwise student will get bored by just delivering lecturesand they will not learn the concept of the matter.
Joseph,
yes, this terminology would never be appropriate as there are many other ways of getting attention.
Dr. Ryan Meers
I've been teaching for 20 years, I don't think I've ever said "shut up." Rather surprised that this is even an issue. When I need students to collect themselves and focus I simply start the lecture, sometimes loudly at first to get the to understand that we're starting. If they continue to talk I stop and ask them if they had a question. But in general, I've found students ready to engage when I begin any activity.
By using the word shut up the student may take it in a negative way. I need everybody's attention may do the trick
Georgette,
I think this is a good idea, best not to use "shut up" & these words grab attention.
Dr. Ryan Meers
I like to ask students to give me examples of the topic in real life that they may have come across.Makes them equal to all of us!!Very empowering to them.
It is never a good idea to tell any student to shut up, rather than to do that i've always used the term check this out . I noticed when I say this they respond in a positive way. The response is that they feel something new or cool is being discussed.
