I think that I can predict something with a reasonable amount of
accuracy. You've tried asking them to get quiet only to allow the
noise to return until you get angry and explode. You get visibly
aggravated and then go into a lecture about behavior. You repeat
this process and the student don't take you seriously. Am I right?

The problem is solved by calming yourself down and getting
assertive with your expectations. Put a smile on your face, tell
they how it's going to be and then do it. You can accomplish this
easily and without emotion. You can provide a better atmosphere
for the students to learn and they will take you seriously. Don't
give them control of the situation.

Set a strict policy on speaking above a whisper and then stick to
it. Make the policy your main agenda for the class. Let the
students know that they can either work quietly or be separated to
the edge of the room to take notes on what the others are doing.
The notes then go home and are returned in the form of a 3 page
paper describing the lab, signed by the parent. Only give them
partial credit. Make it their choice through their behavior. If
they continue disrupting class when you separate them, send them
on to the principal for disrespectful behavior. Don't mess with
poor behavior. If you do, it will rule your class and you won't
get anything done. If your students are some of the brighter
students in the school, they will do what you ask and avoid the
alternative.

For those who repeat the problem, call or email the parent and
stress that your expectations are not optional and that Johnny is
risking his grade when he refused to meet this reasonable
expectation. Be nice and show value for the student. No
detentions necessary.

I promise you that two students with this plan will cure the
problem and the rest of the students will respect you for it.
Your word now means something and when you ask for them to get
quiet, they will. Keep this policy in place and your problem is
solved each time a student needs a reminder. The students that
you separate will still be there to learn and a partial grade for
one day will not destroy their GPA.

One key to making this work well is to stay on top of the noise
level 100% of the time and stick to your word. Don't ever allow
the majority of the students to break the rule or you're right
back where you started. Make your expectation your focus or it
won't be an expectation. If you need to remind them with a
warning, follow through with the separation on the next student to
act up. This puts you in control of the situation and keeps the
problem out of the principal's office. The students are focused
and you are doing what you are supposed to do-teach.

Steve

Superior Education

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