How many of your students participate in class?

A teacher asked me the other day about how I get my math students to participate in class.  She stated that she always had the same students answering questions.  I told her that my students have no choice but to participate.  I explained to her that it starts the first day of school.  I tell all of my students that they will participate on a daily basis.  I explain that I will call on students and I will call students from my class list.  This way everyone participates.  When a student’s name is called, the student already knows that he/she will need to answer the question or go to the smart board or chalkboard and put up an answer.  In the beginning, the shy students always have to be called by me.  However, as time passes they begin to volunteer.  All of my students know that it is okay to participate on a daily basis even if he/she makes a mistake.

Do you have students who talk all the time?

We all have those students who are constant talkers.  What do you do? 

* Have a conference with the student and let the student know that it is a problem that needs to stop.
* Call the parent and ask them for help with their child.  Explain how important it is that the parent be a part of the process.
* When the student begins talking at an inappropriate time, go and stand near that student.
* Address the student when he/she is talking when it is not appropriate.
* Send the student to another teacher’s class to do his/her assignment.  Make sure to explain why you are sending them.
* If all else fails, talk with your assistant principal about what should be done next.

I hope that these are some helpful suggestions for you to try.