Why do children in schools raise their hands when they know the answer? and where did this habit come from?

Answer 1

Children in a lot of schools raise their hands to answer a question so that the teacher can call on them... and that is so there won't be a yelling match in the classroom, with students competing for the teacher's attention that way. The teacher can just as easily see who raised their hands and things are a lot calmer that way.

At least that's what I was told many years ago in Catholic school... which is where the habit may come from. I think the idea of uniforms came from private, church-backed schools as well. And I know all my teachers then were wearing habits! LOL

Answer 2

All throughout school we are taught to raise our hands when we know the answer or when we want to speak or want something. Teachers teach us this healthy habit in order to lessen the confusion in the classroom and not have 15 kids screaming out the answer to him/her.

Answer 3

My Daughter whom is a Teacher says that this
technique is for students who does not know the
answer. If time is short, you call on the student
who usually knows the answer then. Also I heard
that this also builds self confidence.

Answer 4

It's to keep order in the classroom so everyone won't shout out the answer at once.

Answer 5

I think they tell them that so they don't burst out shouting the answer. it teaches them to wait patiently. I don't know who thought of that though..

Answer 6

It's not a habit, it's a rule. So everyone isn't yelling things out at one time.

Where have you been?

Answer 7

Because they would get smacked with a ruler, if they shouted out the answer...

Answer 8

it is so 30 kids dont start yelling "ooh, ooh, i know" all at the same time.

Answer 9

Allison,
That would be "Etiquette", I believe that is how it got started.

Answer 10

It's tradition



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