Preventing from small groups talking in class.
When a small group starts to talk in the back of the class I will stand behind them and continue to lecture. The class's attention is redirected towards the back of the room and the small talking group usually ends their conversation once they realize that the rest of the class is focused on the the lecture.
Trinity,
yes, when we get the chance/opportunity to mix thing up a little & bring more discussion, problem-solving to the class it is beneficial for everyone.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
That is a good idea. Some instructors would "call them out" on their behavior, but I have never thought that to be an effective reaction.
What works best for me is hands-on or group problem-solving projects. They don't have to take very long, and should be relevant to the topic being discussed in class. It is nice if they can work in a small group, and present their solutions to the class. It gives them a break from lecture, and helps them apply their new found knowledge, and lets them do a little constructive talking. It is also a great learning tool.
I have two classes of 30 and these classes are the hardest to control chatter. I also just stop lecturing until everyone stops talking.
I like your approch i also do the same but tend to give hints to answers to the test.
Jessica ,
yes, this is an example of how we have to sometimes modify plans to the room we're in. It sounds like the row rotation can help in your situation.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
In the classes I instruct, the students are new to me but are well established in their program, so their seating preferences are pretty much in concrete. The classroom we are in is set up with rows of desks that are far too close together to allow 'moving through the classroom'. When a private discussion occurs, (it's almost always in the back half of the room!), i now just call their names & ask them if I can help with anything??? (Usually not, of course)
Another note:I read earlier (through another course) the idea of roating rows weekly (front moves to 2nd, 2nd to 3rd, back to front, etc) & I like that a lot ~ keeps it pretty fresh & the students get to keep their comfort zone pretty much intact. Seems to cut down the discussions, too (especially when the class meets only once/wk!)
I'm not so sure that this one would work on a class size smaller than 20. (Rearranging seats I mean). I tend to pause until everyone starts to get uncomfortable. I think this helps the students realize that they are being disruptive to the whole and embarrasses them a bit too. This is usually enough to stop the talking for me. Another method I have used is to ask someone in the group of talkers a question. Generally they cannot answer and will feel embarrassed as well.
When I have had this problem I ask them what they are talking about. Sometimes it is concerning the subject at hand other times it is a personal matter. It has only taken 3 times for the discussions to stop.
This is a good technique, and if the room allows such a tactic, it works.
An even simpler one, is re-assigning students seating arraingements during the week / term, so that the little "clique" groups get broken up that way.
( it helps to do this at the start of the term, when you habe the student "name tents" at the front of each desk.)
