Cell Phones
I really thought I made it clear to my students that if they really needed to use their cell phones they need to exit the classroom. They are only to use them if it is an emergency. Students try to hide their phones while they are texting. We could be in the middle of a classroom discussion and they are called upon and of course they don't have any clue what topic we are on. What can I do to show I really don't like phones on in my class?
I read a recent article from a teacher who answers her student's cell phone if it rings. She states this in her syllabus. I may try it next quarter.
Mr. Kaplan, I am not sure how and why it is not an issue, but I sure would like to know. Jeff Emmons
Cell phones are not an issue at all for me. they never have been - not once. Who thinks they can explain why?
Ditto on your policy! It is a challenge, and I allow what I call a "get out of jail free card" for that one time when a student might forget. It has happened to me before too, and my students tell me "that was your get out of jail free card Chef"!
Hi Eric,
I like your policy concerning cell phone useage. This has grown to be a challenge for instructors and by being firm and fair with the policy the problem can be greatly reduced. Thanks for sharing your policy with us.
Gary
One method that I utilize is the posting of signs on each wall of my class that the use of all mobile phones is prohibited. Another method is at the beginning of each class, I announce a reminder that their phone must be on vibrate or shut off during class time and that texting is prohibited, offenders will have their phones taken from them for the remainder of the class and/or their overall grade will be effected negatively.
I take the lead by example approach by not using mine in class. I also stress that the disription is not fair to the other students. They then feel conscious of their peers....If it becomes an issue, I exclude the student from class for the day.
Hi Brian,
This is one of my pet peeves. I do the same thing so it stops right at the start of a new class. Once they know that I will not allow that in my class it is one less thing to deal with as a distraction.
Gary
Take a hard-lined stance and it is obvious when somebody is texting. So call them out and make it an issue to prevent future instances after the policy has been established.
Hi Yolanda,
Cell phones are always an issue. As instructors I think we all tell them at the beginning of class to turn their phones to "vibrate" and if it is an emergency, exit the classroom. If I see a student texting, or using the phone I take the phone away from them. They can get their phone when class is finished. It seems to work!
I agree with you Cathleen. We are all adults and many of us have children at home. I have made it clear to my students that they can leave their phones on vibrate in case of emergencies only. Occasionally, I see a student fooling around with their phone. Sometimes I pause until they get the message and put it away. On occassion I've asked if it was an emergency and wait until they put it away. The bottom line for me when working with adults is, if you miss out on instruction, it will effect your grade, whether you cut class or are playing with your cell phone. Coming to class and paying attention results in the best possible grade.
Hi David,
A simple class policy that really works. This is great. The message gets through plus I am sure the class has fun with it besides.
Gary
I have daily professionalism points that are subtracted when a student's phone rings aloud in class or I catch them texting. They can however get these points back if they bring cookies for the entire class. I have had great success with this rule. I have also had some great cookies.
If they answer their phone or make a phone call in the classroom they lose the points for the whole week and are required to bring pizza for everyone. This has happened twice in 7 years.
Hi Cathleen,
This is why each instructor has to create his/her own policy concerning cell phone useage in class. Sounds like you have a policy that works for you and your students. Good job.
Gary
Cathleen, Perhaps in your lab setting, cell phones going off doesn't impede your teaching / learning setting. As I teach a cost control class in a culinary school, and a phone goes off during crunching numbers, it is a huge disruption to both me and others trying to get a grip on the numbers, etc. I have a student/parents and they are the most understanding. It is also very disconcerning with the assorted hip hop ring tones that escalate in volume as the owner searches for the phone to turn it off. I am glad to hear your "side," but the whole issue drives me goofy in a classroom setting. Jeff Emmons
A lot of my students are parents just like me. It's hard to leave a child home alone without knowing they have some way to contact you if they need to. For this reason, I keep my cell phone on during class and allow my students to do the same. However, I do expect them to leave the room if they wish to answer their phone. Because most of my classes are lab classes, it doesn't disrupt the rest of the class.
Hi Patria,
You are right about covering yourself in relation to polices you might set for something like cell phones or attendance. The more backup you can have the better you will be covered later on.
Gary
Hi John,
The hard part of cell phone policy to me is having to enforce it. I do not like taking the time to deal with texting, etc. I set a firm policy and I enforce it fairly and consistently. Now the word has gotten out to the point that I just mentioned it to the new students and the know to abide by the policy.
Gary
