How do I get middle schoolers to stop asking so many questions?

Question

I am a first year teacher who interned at a high school but is now teaching middle school music. I know that middle schoolers (especially 6th and 7th graders) LOVE asking questions, most of which are off-topic at that point but sometimes relevant to something that will eventually be covered in class. How can I fix this without making them feel like they can never ask any more questions (that actually might be important)?

Answer 1

at 6th & 7th grade children are at a developmental stage where they are expert at pushing boundaries and also are extremely in need of answers to everything.
Give the class members a chane to ask questions at beginning or end of class or even both. Put a limit on how long the class spends on questions. Use a five minute timer. when the alarm rings question time is over.
Ensure all class members get a chance to ask questions. The quiet kids at the back of the class of should be encouraged to ask a question. The loud kids who have lots of questions could write their questions down and mail them in a questions box. If they put their name on it you can write them a short note when you have time if the question warrants an answer.
One of the most important lessons a young person can learn is that "You need to ask the right question and phrase it properly to elciit useful answers."

Once question time is over get into the music.

You could award points for relevant questions.... and total the points for an award system..

Answer 2

My policy has always been to encourage curiosity and to reinforce appropriate behavior. I have used several techniques for this situation, all of which have worked. I usually like to involve the students in resolving class problems so I tend to make these situations group activities. Have the students brainstorm ways to handle it. The fact that you are a music teacher doesn't mean you can't spend a class period on problem solving techniques. You can set up a mailbox for questions/topics that will be addressed later and when the question is asked, direct the student to write it down and drop it off. Be sure to get back to the student/class with an answer ASAP or you will lose the best opportunity for teaching the point. (while interest is peaked) I have also used private journals very successfully with this age group as many of their questions rise from personal needs rather than actual academic curiosity. Students will often reveal themselves more deeply in a private journal addressed only to you and you can answer the academic question openly in class. Many teachers do not like to get involved in this way, or are worried about the risk of knowing too much so think about this one before you start it. It is amazing what they will say when someone is listening. In the end, there is usually not one best way to handle any particular class. You have to try some things and get to know each other. Together, you and your students will find a solution that works best for the group. Best of luck and whatever else you do...have fun with them. That said, I will pass on some words of wisdom from one of the most respected educators in Northern California. "If you are going to work with middle schoolers, you better either be crazy or have a great sense of humor!"

Answer 3

You're a first year teacher, eh? First off, they are testing you for all that you are worth this year. Middle Schoolers are notorious for trying to get you to lose your "edge" as much as possible. If something's off topic, say simply "that's not on the subject, and we need to move on" then, simply, move on without batting an eyelash. If they laugh at something that isn't funny, don't laugh. You have to keep your cool and just keep moving.

I teach music as well as computers to that age group that you have described. Simply let them know what needs to be accomplished within the time frame that you have, and push toward that goal. Consistency, consistency, CONSISTENCY. The stupid questions will cease if you brush them off, and move on. They will realize that it's pointless to ask them, they don't rattle you, and everybody's stopped laughing at them...and then they'll feel stupid, and all will be well.

Try not to make the "first year teacher mistake." That's trying to be "buddy buddy" with them. It doesn't matter what they think of you, because their opinion will change depending on their mood anyway. Whatever you do...don't squelch their desire to ask questions, just weed through the silly ones to the good ones. Smile and enjoy teaching!

Answer 4

You are in one sticky situation. What I would do is to explain to them that to ask questions that do not relate to the topic at hand is extremely distracting. Then I would go onto say that if you have any questions what so ever then please ask me at the end of the lesson. If need be, set aside 5 min if you see that any of the kids have questions. They enjoy being heard and it is an important part of their education, social interaction and emotional development for them to be able to communicate with person's older than themselves.

Good luck.

Answer 5

Read "Teacher Man" A Memoir by Frank McCourt. Think back to when you were in school. I do and there were a handful of great teachers. I'm sure you remembered a few. Think what they did that make them "great" as opposed to just another teacher. You will find your niche give yourself time. Rome wasn't built in a day, Hang in there.

Answer 6

this is what i do i am a first year teacher my self let me ask u ? if it is way off the subject or just plain stupid i give them 1? to ask after that first quation that was stuipd if they ask a ? about the sybject i gave them one more but if they ask stupid one or a off task one they are not allowed to ask no more quaestions that day and it works i have used it and it work we have been in school for 3 weeks now and this system really works

Answer 7

try writting on the blackboard the agenda of uer class and be to the point let them ask and then tell them if its not on the board its not gonna be discussed in class. If its something not related be available after class to answer their question also ask them to please write dwn what they wanted to ask and try to help answer when u are available to do so ive been told this by my highschool teachers too so it works wth any age. goodluck i wish u the very best.

Answer 8

Been there. Handle them during a "time for questions". Don't let them interrupt you - they'll take over ( as you probably know by now).

Answer 9

You can't, kids that age are just nosy and loud!