In my experience, you need to set the stage on day one and be very clear about class expectations, if students need to raise their hands, being attentive in class and other policies. You can always lightemn your policies, but i have found if you start being 'too easy" you can't become harder or more strict about things. I am honest about needing the manage the class so everyone can learn and that my policies are for the good of the student who wants to learn. I have had some really challenging students over the years.. not a pleasant experience at times. it is important to look within in terms of how you might react to some students... there is often something else going on that may be making them angry and you are just the one who happened to be there when they reached their limit.
