Hazrat Yahya (rahimahullah) reports:
We (the students of Imaam Maalik (rahimahullah)) would gather at the door of Imaam Maalik (rahimahullah). Once we had all gathered, a person would announce, “The people of Madinah Munawwarah should first enter.” After the people of Madinah Munawwarah would enter, this person would make an announcement for the other students to enter. Imaam Maalik (rahimahullah) would thereafter enter and make salaam, after which he would remain silent. We would also remain silent in the presence of Imaam Maalik (rahimahullah) for some moments (before the lesson would commence).
At times, when Imaam Maalik (rahimahullah) would see the large crowd of students, he would say, “Be calm and dignified, as it will assist you (in acquiring the knowledge of Deen), and the juniors among you should recognize the right of their seniors.”
(Tarteeb-ul-Madaarik 2/15)