Classroom interruptions
I have a great group of students that I am currently instructing. I have one student that is constantly interrupting, his interruptions however have everything to do with the subject matter. How do I get control of the situation while still encouraging his enthusiasm?
Thank you
Brenda, great topic. Part of the role of the instructor is to keep the lesson plan moving forward and students on point. If they are asking questions that are not part of the current lesson plan then learn how to setup a parking lot where you take down a note and you will cover such items after class or before the next session. This can also be one of the day one topics you discuss in your policies, staying on track but no question will go unanswered. Some questions however may get answered later than others depending on their relevance to the current topic. Sending out emails with responses is also a good technique provided that all students have access to email.
James Jackson
I can totally relate to this situation. Many times, students want to show off or in some cases, they have already studied the lesson so they ask questions about details that I plan to cover later. I let them know right away that it is a very important question that will be discussed next but we cannot get ahead of ourselves because we need to understand step A to get to step B. If this happens frequently, I asses the question and in some instances do answer it because I do not want to stop my students from being engaged in the class.
In some cases, especially if I am performing a demo, then I simply state that we need to focus on what is going on and I will let them know when we can have a Q&A session.
Liza, nothing wrong telling a student their question will be better answered in a future session. Just be honest and clear that some confusion is good and by design. If questions remain after the appropriate lesson plan is delivered you will be happy to answer them at that time. Stay in control and do not allow students to dictate the design of your lesson plans.
James Jackson
I have difficulty with my A students. I have one student who sits in the front of my class and is constantly asking questions about information I have not thoroughly answered in lecture yet. I hand out the outlined version of my power points to my students so they are able to read ahead should they desire in the lecture notes. It is clearly defined in the outline that I am going to discuss the information required for examinations. My question is how do I help her overcome her stress that she is exhibiting in the classroom and causing anxiety for some of my other students. I compliment her frequently on asking very good questions but I would like the remainder of my students to not become so confused on information that is yet to come.
How I handle this is that I answer the questions and have him come see me after class so I can give more detail and time.
jeanie, another option is to find alternative approach to learning that does not involve as much lecture. What are some ways you can engage your students and have them interact with you and your lesson plan versus just listening to your lectures?
James Jackson
I have a situation very much like Sarah's class. I feel like I am herding sheep during lecture to get the class back in the right direction after one student's questions steer the class in a different direction. I think I am going to try Jeff's advice and take questions and comments after lecture and see how that goes.
sarah, there is nothing wrong with training your student the proper way to share their ideas. Just let them understand it is part of the training process and your ability to prepare them for the real world. In a work setting employees do not always just have the ability to interrupt their supervisor anytime they have a great idea. There are processes and procedures that need to be followed so come up with a methodology you would like them to use in your classroom and then reward them when they implement the methodology correctly.
James Jackson
You could make a point of starting off the discussion and stating that you'll allow a time for questions after each key point is discussed. This way you're not waiting for questions until the very end of class, but you're not allowing for questions at any point during the class.
