Teaching Video

Teachers, Try This: Beyoncé's ‘Mute Challenge’ to Get Students’ Attention

By Sam Mallon — January 4, 2024 2:22
FILE - In this Nov. 4, 2016 file photo, Beyonce performs at a Get Out the Vote concert for Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton at the Wolstein Center in Cleveland. Jay-Z is on top of the music world this weekend as the leading Grammy nominee. So it was fitting that he held his annual Roc Nation brunch, Saturday, Jan. 27, 2018, on the top of New York City's World Trade Center. And even though Beyonce made an even later entrance by minutes, she was still queen of the party. (AP Photo/Andrew Harnik, File)

“Look around, everybody on mute.”

It’s a line Beyoncé uses during her performance of “Energy” to get the crowd to go silent, and it’s one teachers have started incorporating into their classroom management practices.

Here, one teacher shows how she uses the phrase in her class, and talks about the benefits of incorporating pop culture into the classroom to improve student engagement.

Sam Mallon is a video producer for Education Week.

Video

School & District Management Q&A Why This K-12 Leader Was 'Incredulous' When Congress Asked Him to Testify
New York City schools Chancellor David Banks' blunt take on appearing before Congress and leading schools in divisive times.
7 min read
New York City Department of Education Chancellor David Banks speaks at a press briefing at City Hall in New York City.
New York City Department of Education Chancellor David Banks speaks at a press briefing at City Hall in New York City.
Michael Brochstein/Sipa via AP
Teaching Video Some Topics Are Hard to Teach. A Teacher's Guide to Tackling One of Them
This guide for teachers is designed to create an understanding around the issues of poverty, and provide classroom lessons on the topic.
2:56
Ed-Tech Policy Video School Cellphone Ban Is Critical for 'Addicted' Students, NYC Chancellor Says
"I see no good reason for the kids to have access to their phones" during the school day, Chancellor David Banks tells EdWeek.
6 min read
New York City School Chancellor David Banks speaking at an event at the Union Settlement Union Carver Center where the Mayor talked about a plan to improve child care and early childhood education.
New York City School Chancellor David Banks speaking at an event at the Union Settlement Union Carver Center where the Mayor talked about a plan to improve child care and early childhood education.
Michael Brochstein/Sipa via AP
Classroom Technology Video How AI Can Save Teachers Time, According to a Google Executive
Google's head of education impact says AI can help solve some of the problems teachers are facing, but recognizes its limitations.