Why do so many teenagers talk in class?

Question

I used to be a secondary school teacher and found that most pupils would continue talking (or attempt to) amongst themselves whilst I was explaining a topic. They would then complain that they didn't understand. I wonder why?? What I really want to know is why so many young people don't seem to have the good manners to know that when someone is teaching a class or holding any kind of meeting then they should have the courtesy to listen. It is not about being a kid and doing as you're told, it is simply about behaving decently. I wouldn't dream of talking over someone else if I were at a lecture or something similar. Why do they?

Having read all of your replies i would like to add two things:

1. My classes were always very interactive. I would never just stand and talk for a long time. Sometimes. however, this is of course necessary, such as when a student asks a question and I am answering.

2. Teachers are not there to entertain. They are there to teach. I agree it should be done in a way which involves the kids and stimulates them, however it is not all about having fun and enjoying yourself. Even if it is the most boring class in the world, my point is that it is simple courtesy to listen. If teenagers are hoping to be treated as adults and to integrate into the real world then they should learn that we cannot behave in a rude way just because we are bored. I have sat through lectures which have nearly bored me to tears but I have sat through them politely. The issue needs to be addressed of course, if the lessons are consistently bad, but rudeness is not the anser. It is selfish and immature.

Answer 1

Hmm I am a teen and I think there is not much you can do to stop it really. I try not to talk during lessons but for most teens it is just about showing off that you can talk while the teacher is and it makes you look bigger and cooler. A lot of people will go as far as detentions and getting sent out just to look cool. Some teachers I cant stand because they pick on some students and there lessons are v. boring. You sound like a cool teacher but it is all about making good first impressions and appearing to be in control even if you are not. Dont have too many fun lessons but if a kid asks what they are supposed to be doing tell them they should have been listening. Then they will listen next time.
Hope it helps and much sympathy to you.

Answer 2

Being a teenager, I would know. It depends on the teacher, some don't have enough control over their classes. Therefore, a lower level of respect is shown. If you had had a better level of control on the class they wouldn't not of talked.

Kids also talk if class is boring. The teacher isn't keeping the students entertained enough, and they loose their train of thought. If you make jokes and use creative ways of teacher, the kids will keep paying attention. Lecturing also makes class horrible. Class has to be interactive with answereing questions and discussions.

Answer 3

I don't the answer to this. I did it although not really to any great extent. I wish I hadn't now of course and taken more in. I love History now but couldn't wait to talk to my friend in that particular class when I was at school.

I don't think it is anything to do with respect as I was always and still am, very respectful of teachers and the hard job they have. I don't think it is anything to do with discipline as I was a reasonably well behaved child. Is it just that at the time it doesn't seem important? I don't really know. But if teenagers do read this then please do listen. It may be boring, it may seem like a waste of time but believe me when you leave school you'll regret it. When your child asks you something that you maybe could have answered if you'd listened in the first place that's when you'll really wish you paid attention.

Answer 4

I tend to do just that. I am 12, my classes are boring, my friends are not. I talk to them, catch up on this that matter to me. Later, I get the notes from someone who WAS paying attention. I think we do it because we don't find it interesting. We do our work, sometimes, because we want our grades to be good, but it doesn't always make a diff. if we're paying attention or not. We have manners, we just prefere not to use them. If it's REALLY important, we pay attention, well most of us, other than the few kids who never do. If you try asking someone a question, to make sure they're paying attention, and they don't know the answer, tell them to move up and be around the other gender. If they still talk, move them ALONE or up front, like RIGHT next to you! If they contiue to talk, send them to the principal, they'll know not to do it anymore.

Overall, they do it to entertain, or they don't have any interest in the lecture, or just don't care.

Answer 5

At this age, the general thought is "adults are stupid" I am serious, that is how a lot of them think. At this age, they are trying to become (as is needed) a little more independent and mature because soon they are going to be thrown into the world. But, they often mistake rudeness and disrespect for indepenced and trust. Also, a lot of time your students simply DON"T CARE about what you have to say. There thoughts are more focused on their social (hence the talking) lives then their acedemic ones. However, the do not mask this because at this time of life the are begining to discover who they are and as a result, they become a tad self centered. (though, do give them a small break, its not easy at this age) Also, they DO think that listening IS babyish and don;t want to be treated like kids, though it is not, and that is how things function in the "adult" world to.

Of course, you do have to be a bit understanding. This is a stressful time in our lives (I myself am a teen) Also, a large amount of it is per pressure. In order to get around in the "teen world" with yout teen friends. Your priorities are your social life. And you may not realize this, but sometimes, even as teens, "being smart" and interested in class is "uncool" (childish, I know)

I am not however making excuses, I am just sharing the experiences and knowledge in my own short life. Teens should listen, NO EXCUSE. Though it would help if learning was more :socially excepted" (BAH!)

Answer 6

well school is boring. Also they are around people their age, some they don't see after school, and they want to talk. By theey way I am a student in 7th grade and I am 13. I just don't care about school. I would have an excuse top not go to school everyday if it weren't for Anthony. Kids don't have courtesy. DUHHHHH (like me) :)

Answer 7

I did that all the time in school. I was the class clown. Didn't care about school or teachers especially the one's that got all mad when you would interupt them. I would talk to my friends the whole class period then get A's on my tests so I kept doing it. I never turned in homework never did class work but for some reason still passed with A's and B's

Answer 8

It's because they know as a teacher you'll have to explain it to them again if they didn't hear it the first time.

What you could have done to fix that problem was reward the ones that did listen the first time, by giving them something like a piece of candy.

If they didn't listen you'd just explain it to them again and they wouldn't get anyting.

Answer 9

They don't talk in private schools. If they did, their parents would be informed and the cjhild would get told off by the parents. A section of state school parents (not all, by any means) are a complete waste of space and would argue with the teacher if told that their child was misbehaving.

Answer 10

Because YOU allowed them to carry on. You did not command enough respect to be heard. I think you ought to "tighten the screws" and be more stern. If you aer a teacher it's YOUR responsibility. Yeah you can't reach them all but they should atleast be quiet while you speak. Sorry for being so blunt. (Oh and I'm sure their parents had a bit to do with thier lack of respect)