Controlling A noisy classroom
I have tried two techniques in reguards to a noisy classroom. If my class can't be quiet after previous attempts then I completely stop speaking. I reinterate that I will not speak when others are speaking.
The second method I use is stating on the board the next topic that will be covered and the test date. Then I begin lecturing about the next topic emphasing that every word being said will be on the next exam.
It has worked several times, but it depends on the students. I am asking are they any other suggestions that can be used?
Ms. Noel
Hi Corliss,
This is a very old technique, yet it is still so effective. It works!
Patricia Scales
Not talking when your students are talking is a good way to get their attention. They will usually understand and focus on the class assignments/exercises!
I start at the beginning of class withmy expectations about a noisy classroom. I seperate each student by one chair. I also give them time to laugh and exchange questions to each other for a few moments between excercises. Finally I let them know time is up we did to concentrate on the subject at hand. Like most instructors...I don't talk when they talk.
Using music to soothe the "savage beasts" is a very interesting concept! Is that the thinking behind elevator music also?
Should we only be concerned when the noise comes from talking about things other than the subject matter, or even when it is on point?
Ms. Noel these techniques are very useful thanks for the post. I myself notice that my students are quiter and more focused on content if relaxation music is played (Steven Halpburn - In The Learning Zone). Having an overly silent classroom seems to make students nervous, but playing music that encourages the mind to become focused (i.e. enhanced retention) makes a huge difference.
Hi I'm Corliss
Initially, I attempt to let students sit where they want. If that does not work, I seat students in alphabetic order. I will write a student's name on the board as an attention getter before the class start, the group of students are quiet because they a waiting to see why a particular students name is on the board. I will then ask the student whose name was on the board an objective of the subject that we are covering.
Hi Kathy,
I make an example out of someone. If I warn them that they are too noisy. I will begin to remove students from the room. This is a great way to get students in check so that others see that you are not playing.
Patricia
I have not found this effective for me. My students just think of this as an opportunity for them to continue. I have found when I walk around the room and stand next to them, they stop talking amongst themselves. I have also started having studnets get up to answer questions, and when they are bothered by the studnets talking, it makes them more aware of their own behaviour.
I've had a problem with talkative students this session. I hate to be a disciplinarian, and my director of education recommended that I use the technique of stop talking until they stop as well. It worked ok. The most effective thing I did, though, was end class early, telling them I could not conduct class while they were talking. They immediately became silent, and even asked if they could stay. I told them they could stay, but I was leaving. Class ended early. The next class was eerily silent, and they have behaved much better since then. I do not recommend this except as a last resort, and should only be used once. I also have slowed down my lectures quite a bit, which has seemed to help.
Hi. I agree with you, when my students are talking just i keep quiet until they finish.
Ms Melendrez.
