As a teacher/ educator, how do you handle hecklers?

I have a group of adults that i meet with every sunday for five sundays and so the group dynamics are always changing as people come and go. I have a hard time not just throwing in a movie and leaving the room, they drive me crazy. I always feel like i don't know what i'm talking about and that they don't give a crap anyway so what's the point. But its a part of my job that i have to do. How can i handle those smart-@$$es that i always allow to ruin my class?

haha! I just went into group and let this one in particular do his thing then as I was walking out of the room I hit him where it hurts (verbally and appropriately). I just kept walking but i heard the whole class laughing and being like dam she got you." then i heard him finally say, "haha". =)
that was great
ps-i think i am confident in what i know aboout the subject, i'm just never sure if i'm explaining it correctly, so i probably just don't have the confidence in myself more that the topic. I hate standing in front of them, i feel like i trip over my words.

Think of a teacher you had that you NEVER would have considered heckling (no one would have...). What did they do that set the atmosphere for their class? I'm sure they set expectations,had consequences for inappropriate behavior, and just set a tone that conveyed the way the class would run. If you feel like you don't know what you're talking about...they probably can sense that. If you honestly don't, sorry...but you have no business teaching them. You will have to work very hard to become an expert in whatever you are trying to teach. If you actually do know what you're talking about, then you need to present yourself in that way...if you present yourself in a confident manner, they will become more confident in your abilities.

Look at the structure and content of your class...is it interesting? Engaging? Could it be?

Give THEM assignments which require THEM to do presentations...if they think they can teach better...well then, let them have at it. Make sure you include Q and A time at the end of each presentation...and for the REALLY obnoxious ones...be ready to ask them some really hard questions...let's see if they know everything.

Sometimes having a sense of humor and heckling back works...but you have to be confident and be able to think on your feet quickly. And your students need to know when it's time to joke around and time to get down to business....

Finally, if you are the teacher, it is your class. If people are interfering with other people's learning, they need to go. Give people a warning and if they continue the behavior, follow through with the consequence.

Good luck!

Usually, I tell the person that if he has anything to say, he should raise his hand and place it over his mouth.

But seriously, get them involved in what you are supposed to be teaching. Most students take their cues from the teacher. If you act like you don't care, they won't either.

In spite of the above comment, I rarely use sarcasm or demeaning comments with my students. If people think you respect them, care about them, and help them, they will do whatever you need them to do.

I teach a class of basic students. They are a needy group. I tell them that I want them to graduate and that I love that class. I bring them candy on Fridays because not many teachers treat their basic classes as special. Treat your students well, encourage them, and be kind to them, and they will rise to your expectations.

There needs to be expectations, rewards, and consequences.
Have newcomers sign a form that outlines your expectations, and indicates their agreement.
Hecklers are asked to leave.
If this is a court-ordered class, what happens if you do not sign off?
They don't have to care, really, just act like it.