The cell phone issue will be around from now on and it will be hard to deal with. Just like every other challenge that we face as educators we have to adjust and learn how to handle this and keep it from disrupting the learning process in any way that we can within the schools guide lines.
If a student's cell phone rings in class, the student has to bring cookies for the class. Also if the phone rings a second time or if another student's phone rings they have to bring milk. As a result, students in my class make sure there are no more interruptions.
That seems like a great plan
I agree, it is hard to get back not necessarily control, but a respect for the environment I think when I did not address texting immediately. I was hesitant to single out students in the middle of class, so I first made general reminders which were not effective. I ended up asking that person to put it away the next time and this was more effective.
Hi Chris,
Right you are. I know and it sounds like you may have encountered such a situation. I was brought in two different times into such situations and it was a real challenge to recapture control of the class and establish a operation format that was conducive to learning.
I really appreciate your input into how to have a dynamic learning environment. Your comments are going to be very helpful to other instructors.
Gary
Your point regarding clear and consistent enforcement of rules and policies is a crucial one. Some instructors tend to be lax when it comes to enforcement or make allowances that deviate from those set forth by the institution. Once exceptions or deviations are allowed, the next instructor pays the price when they have to bring student behavior back into compliance.
I also plan to include the expectations in the syllabus, give one warning, and then take the phone until the end of class. I hope it works!
I have that same problem in class and I was told it is ok to ask for the phones until class is over. I haven't tried this yet but if it presents as a problem again I will.
Hi Danielle,
Ah the cell phone. A form of technology that was designed to drive educators crazy and is doing a very good job of it. It seems that we have to deal with the cell phone issue over and over again even when we have clear policies about them being turned off, on vibrate or left in backpacks.
Gary
I add this directly in the syllabus. I put in under the section that addresses class conduct. I also make sure that my cell phone is turned off!
students are given rules on on the first day. cell phones must be on silent mode and can only be used outside of classroom
Going over the rules the first day of class is extremely effective for me. If students still continue to use cell phones then there are consequences. Cell phones can become a huge distractor when it comes to class time with students facebooking or texting.
Hi Yvonne,
The key is to be clear and consistent in the enforcement of college and class rules and polices. I as many instructors do have a thing about cell phones and texting in my classes. Both have no place in my class. Good to see that this policy if college wide so the students know what the behavior expectations are in all classes.
Gary
I find that going over the rules of our school, in which cell phones are prohibited in class and administration that back you up helps. They get a verbal warning, the next time I take phone and put on my podeum till end of class and write this up. The students know that three warnings is all they get before being withdrawn for nursing program. They are training for a profession and must learn to follow rules.
