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abrasive
January 27, 2010
I always leave my Wednesday morning class with a headache. It’s got twice as many students as my other two classes have, and they’re an energetic bunch even at 8:30 in the morning. I often have to shout to be heard or tell them to shut up and listen, and while they’re drawing, while they’re sitting around waiting for class, while they’re dawdling to set up their easels, they are constantly yakking. All at once. Mostly I don’t mind, because they’re fairly engaged with the drawing they’re doing in class, and so far most of them are doing pretty good work. And I would much, much rather have a noisy talkative class than a morose class that doesn’t want to participate. But now it’s suppertime and the mild headache I left class with at 12:30 has unfurled itself into a full-blown migraine. I need to either get these folks to quiet down somehow, or have the drugs at the ready the second I walk out of there.
Posted by jodi on January 27, 2010 at 5.03pm
Categories: teaching
Comments on "abrasive"
Turning the lights off usually has a pretty quick effect on people of all ages to stop talking.
Posted by grace on January 28, 2010 at 1.49pm :: link
Boy, do I feel your pain! I teach 7th grade English and deal with this issue a lot. Believe it or not, the best technique is to stand at the front of the class and just stare them down with a raised eyebrow. They’ll notice and stop talking – just give it a minute or two. One will notice and nudge the person next to them, and it’s a ripple effect. Soon you’ll have their attention without having to raise your voice. If they start talking while you’re talking, just stop and wait. They’ll quiet down. Never fails!
Posted by Laina on January 29, 2010 at 5.46pm :: link