What dramatic technique can a teacher use to regain the attention of an inattentive class?

Dropping a book or slamming a drawer is an effective dramatic technique to regain the attention of an inattentive class because it creates a sudden, unexpected distraction that draws students' notice immediately. This auditory stimulus is more likely to elicit a reaction from students, interrupting their disengagement and prompting them to focus on the teacher or the content being presented. This technique employs a physical action that can be surprising and captures attention without requiring additional resources or preparation.

In contrast, changing seating arrangements may be beneficial in the long term for fostering engagement but does not provide an immediate jolt of attention. Using captivating visuals is a strong strategy but assumes that students are engaged enough to pay attention to the visual elements. Telling a personal story can be an effective tool for engagement but requires more time and emotional investment, making it less instantaneous than the dramatic physical sound of slamming or dropping an object. Thus, the suddenness and sensory impact of a dramatic sound are crucial in quickly regaining students' attention.