Grabbing teachers’ attention is a common occurrence in the classroom, especially for students who, at times, constantly require assistance or clarification. However, this constant calling out of “sir” or “miss” can be overwhelming for the teacher and have a negative impact on the overall learning environment.
- Establish clear expectations and routines. Set clear expectations for classroom behaviour and attention-seeking behaviours. Establish routines for asking questions, seeking assistance, and transitioning between activities.
- Provide positive reinforcement: acknowledge and praise students for appropriate behaviour and engagement. Positive reinforcement can encourage students to seek attention in positive ways.
- Differentiate Instruction: cater to different learning styles and preferences to prevent boredom or frustration, which can lead to attention-seeking behaviours.
- Incorporate Active Learning Techniques: Engage students in hands-on activities, discussions, and problem-solving tasks to keep them actively engaged in the learning process.
- Build Relationships with Students: Get to know your students’ interests, strengths, and challenges. Building positive relationships can help reduce attention-seeking behaviours and foster a more supportive classroom environment.
