Question Details
I manage to get the class quiet, but then as I’m explaining topics they start whispering and talking to each other. It’s often about what we’re doing but I need them to listen to me.
Answer
A very important rule for teachers is to NEVER allow students to whisper or talk while you are speaking to them. It might be about the learning, but, if you allow it, you will find it happening more and more often which will become a source of frustration (for you and the students trying to listen to you). Ultimately, you need the students to know that, when you are explaining something, you need them to listen so that they fully understand. Plus, it is simply respectful to listen and not talk while others are talking. Rather than become frustrated, you should simply stop and wait until the whispering has stopped. If you continue and the whispering starts again, stop again. You may need to add some non-verbal cues that you are not expecting to be interrupted while speaking. Once the students have started the task, quietly speak to these students one to one and explain that this is unacceptable behaviour.
