Ways To Improve Teaching Practice | #3 Use silence to get student attention

Ways to improve your teaching practice

#3 Use silence as a way to tell students you want their attention

There are lots of LinkedIn posts about maintaining order in a classroom. I’d like to share an approach I use when I want student attention — a way of calmly signalling, “I want you to listen now.”

1️⃣ When you want attention from a group who are talking and “OK, everyone” or something similar hasn’t worked, just stay silent.
2️⃣ But it’s then important to stand in a clear, visible position — a “ready to teach” stance that signals you’re waiting.
3️⃣ Set your face correctly — nothing stern, nothing angry, just calm. A small, knowing smile works well.
4️⃣ Hold the position and wait for eye contact with one or two learners. What usually happens is that students start to self‑police. Someone will nudge a neighbour: “He’s ready. Shh.”

What you’re signalling is simple:

“The reason I’m not talking is because you are.”

This is so much better than that peevish “battle of wills” dynamic that so many teachers adopt in this situation. There’s no need to signal frustration or rising anger to learners in this situation. Just be calm and wait.

What do you think? What’s your go to method for getting attention?