>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
I have a pretty loud whistle (just two fingers and a lot of air - no extra equipment needed) and I have used it to quiet a class. I would recommend using once (maybe twice) per semester and only after trying several of the other techniques - I particularly find the silence and patient waiting while looking at the offending students to be particularly effective. I think the whistle will lose its effect if used frequently. One technique that has also worked for me when the class starts to talk while another student is asking a question or making a point is to regain the quite and then say "That is a great point, I'll put that on the next test" and I scribble down some comment on a piece of paper - even if it is something I would not really ask on an exam. In one upper division class I was challenged by a particularly outspoken student who claimed that they had paid to learn from me and not from other students comments and it was unfair to test over class discussion. At the time it left me all most speechless, however I now simply explain that class discussion is often reflected in Essay Questions and that by contributing and paying attention you help to form thoughts that can be used to discuss the same topics on the exam. Doug Peterson Assistant Professor The University of South Dakota --- You are currently subscribed to tips as: [EMAIL PROTECTED] To unsubscribe send a blank email to [EMAIL PROTECTED]
