I tried the silence approach that Jim and some others have mentioned. For me, it's never really worked that well, particularly in larger classes. If asking the class for silence doesn�t work, I usually try to identify the offenders and then talk with them personally. This has usually solved the problem.
Of course, I've also learned that sometimes my students were noisy because I had lost their attention. Sometimes, my presentation of the material was boring! (gasp!) I've learned to be a bit more theatrical in my presentation style, not in an overly histrionic way, but in a way that captures their attention. I suppose I do this by moving around more, changing my speech patterns and nonverbal behavior, using humor appropriately, and incorporating more personally-relevant examples and applications. I sometimes prepare for class as if I'm getting ready to give a 55 minute presentation for which the audience has paid a lot of money to hear. That helps to liven up my presentation by forcing me to make clear decisions about how to introduce the topic, the main points that I want to convey, how to conclude the topic, and how to use my own unique personal style to transition through the process. I've paid money to attend some really bad presentations and I've paid money to attend some really good presentations. If I approach the class as having to give a lecture on a textbook chapter, then it is harder for me and my students to get excited. If I approach the class as having an opportunity to deliver a presentation on a topic about which I am passionate, then I get more excited and this excitement is conveyed to my audience. The more excited they are, the more focused they will be on the presentation. Anyways, just my thoughts on the issue. ______________________________________________ Roderick D. Hetzel, Ph.D. Department of Psychology LeTourneau University Post Office Box 7001 2100 South Mobberly Avenue Longview, Texas 75607-7001 Office: Education Building 218 Phone: 903-233-3893 Fax: 903-233-3851 Email: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Homepage: http://www.letu.edu/people/rodhetzel > -----Original Message----- > From: Mike Scoles [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]] > Sent: Wednesday, September 18, 2002 1:11 PM > To: Teaching in the Psychological Sciences > Subject: RE: Class noise > > > It would also provide better job security than tenure. You > can't fire whistleblowers, can you? > > > -----Original Message----- > > From: Charlotte Manly [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]] > > Sent: Wednesday, September 18, 2002 12:16 PM > > To: Teaching in the Psychological Sciences > > Subject: Re: Class noise > > > > > > Completely off the top of my head: Since it sounds like you've got > > pretty good classroom dynamics, but a soft voice and a big > class, how > > about using a whistle, like in camp? Blow the whistle when it gets > > too noisy or one person is addressing the class but can't > be heard. > > Just a thought > > > > Charlotte > > > --- > You are currently subscribed to tips as: [EMAIL PROTECTED] > To unsubscribe send a blank email to > [EMAIL PROTECTED] > > --- > Incoming mail is certified Virus Free. > Checked by AVG anti-virus system (http://www.grisoft.com). > Version: 6.0.389 / Virus Database: 220 - Release Date: 9/16/2002 > > --- Outgoing mail is certified Virus Free. Checked by AVG anti-virus system (http://www.grisoft.com). Version: 6.0.389 / Virus Database: 220 - Release Date: 9/16/2002 --- You are currently subscribed to tips as: [EMAIL PROTECTED] To unsubscribe send a blank email to [EMAIL PROTECTED]
