TIPsters: Due to confluence of circumstances, I haven't taught a large section in a few years, but I'll pass along another strategy for noise control in large classrooms.
A faculty member in another department on our campus uses this strategy: If the noise level gets annoying, he gives one warning. If it gets too loud a second time, he abruptly dismisses class, saying that some of the students (whom he pointedly identifies) have made it impossible to accomplish anything in this room at this time. He tells the class that they have those individuals to thank for missing the material -- which WILL be on the exam -- that cannot be covered in class because of the missed time. Students tell me what's most annoying about this approach is that he never gets angry; he just cheerfully cancels the rest of class and points out the students responsible, then leaves without talking to anybody. He has very few noise problems, even in large classes. [Note: For those of you who know me, I swear that this isn't a story about me!] Cheers, Michael Renner ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Michael J. Renner Department of Psychology West Chester University West Chester, PA 19383 USA [EMAIL PROTECTED] Telephone: +1.610.436.2925 Fax: +1.610.436.2846 Fall 2002 Office Hours: M 12-2 pm; T/Th 8-9:30 am "The path of least resistance is always downhill." ----------------------------------------------------------------------- --- You are currently subscribed to tips as: [EMAIL PROTECTED] To unsubscribe send a blank email to [EMAIL PROTECTED]
