Hello everyone!
I find it challenging to get students to respect others when they are commenting or asking a question on a topic of class discussion. I have to say, "OK guys, remember to raise your hand before speaking. I want to hear what everyone has to say, but we can't all speak at once." This typically only works for one or two comments and then they are at it again, and gain, I have to repeat myself. Maybe it is the age group? I don't know, but it amazes me to witness how difficult it can be for teenagers to have a civilized conversation.
I do see this as a minor problem in my classroom, but a problem nonetheless. Since I teach Public Safety, there are many class discussion as I like to bring real world occurrences in to the classroom as often as possible. Therefore, I feel that it is key to have students share comments about various topics and listen to comments from others in a respectful and civilized manner. I do not want to end class discussions as I feel that a lot of good things come from them when they are done correctly. Any suggestions out there?
Hi Cristina,
ReplyDeleteI had the same problem with my some of my students who were determined to make themselves recognized in the classroom. I noticed that the majority of these students did not have a valid answer but was looking to get a response from their classmates. I know this is a difficult situation because you would like for all students to be involved in classroom discussions but they must understand how the real world operates.
I informed them that I wanted to operate the classroom in a business like manner. Therefore, each student would have an opportunity to lead the classroom discussions. By using this method I could identify the students who were serious and the ones who were class clowns and really didn’t have and valid input. For the students who did not participate in the discussion received a grade of 0 and the students who continued to be disrespectful were assigned to detention. I know this sounds a bit harsh but this was the only way I was able to receive results.
Bernardo
Christina, sometimes during classroom discussion I will just pause as the comments come to a close. The quiet from me actually gets their attention...eventually and they know something is up. At that time I can redirect their attention to proper classroom discussion. I typically have strong opinions voiced when we do our ethical debate. I set the rules up front and make sure everyone knows that they cannot be disrespectful of each other. That typically works, but the debates can become quite controversial. Since our last class meeting you might try the large group/small group discussions when you believe it's a topic that they will become very verbal about. That will allow each student to have a voice, but it will also reign in some of the "outburst" of making sure they are heard. I also liked Bernardo's suggestion, but I have some very shy students in my class and they listen intently, but don't always want to participate in group discussion. I can obtain their input in other ways though so that they maintain a certain comfort level as well as a trust in my class. Hope some of this info. helps.
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