Be calm and in control: Use a signal once and wait. Never try the signal over and over, because students will not take it seriously.
Move closer to a student who is not responding to the signal. Proximity can make a big difference in the response you get.
Remember that you are in charge, and hold your ground when students test you. A strong, silent teacher holding his or her ground can be very intimidating.
Consider having students help decide on a signal.
Ask students to list classroom signals that have been used in their other classes.
Find several classroom signals that work for you, and alternate them if one becomes less effective.
If you need to still raise your voice, don’t do it often so that when you do it is effective and taken seriously
How to Implement
Ask for students attention and then wait: don’t shout above the classroom noise
Let students quiet each other down
Can also use a zero-nose device like a chime or a rainstick (visual and auditory signal)
Explain to the students what they will hear and see when you are trying to gain their attention
Explain to the students what you expect from them once they hear and see the signal. For example students should freeze, turn to you and be ready for further instructions.
Repeat the procedure for the attention grabber again.
Ask the students to repeat the procedure back to you.
2. Rehearse
Demonstrate exactly how the attention grabbing procedure will be done for the rest of the year.
Wait until all students have done the procedure properly.
Provide assistance to students who do not do the procedure properly.