Generational Rules
One of my biggest frustrations as an instructor deals mainly with the difference in what I think of as "generational rules". In the syllabus addendum for every class I teach, I specifically state that cell phones are not to be used during class time, including texting. I don't think that this is an unreasonable rule, yet every quarter I've had to reprimand at least one student, typically of the 18-25 age group, for violating this rule. While my non-traditional students tend to be shocked by this blatant disregard for the rules, the other, younger students don't see an issue at all. I had one student tell me that in high school, the teachers didn't care if they "texted" during class. I find that hard to believe, but....
I realize that there are generational social rules that change over time, but I'm not ready to allow students to sit in my classroom and "chat" with their friends via their phones. Has anyone else dealt with this issue and how was it handled?
Hi Chris,
The key is to use or not use technology in a way that fits your class and teaching style. It sounds like you have found a balance in the use of technology within limits that don't disrupt the learning of others. Well done. Thanks for sharing your strategy with us.
Gary
See I do allow them to text in class, I use it to my advantage however, that person who texts will be the next to be called on to answer question. Often I find they are able to answer it to me even while texting a friend.
GenYers don’t take banning things well. By allowing texting but not allowing people to answer a phone is a good compromise This allows them to make the choice to get called on if the text. They have to risk the public embarrassment weight if really texting back is really worth answering a question.
In addition I use them as a tool most of my students have smart phones so I ask them to look something up see who can use their phones the fastest.
Interesting situations, I believe we all deal with this kind on a daily basis. I have to admit, that many students see my point, which is: focus on the discussion in the class and when you go home check on all your e-mails, Facebook, My Space etc. I have very simple rule, no cell phones in the class.It is also important to mention that I see slight improvement in "media addition" and many students wait for the breaks to read the e-mails and go to the Internet.
I like how you handled the phone situation. Another point I might add is clarifying the expectations at the start of each term...again, a fine line, but better to do it than not to I think. I will be trying this at the start of next term.
Regards,
Scott
I do like the buy pizza idea - often students do not realize that the class is not all about them and a certain level of respect is missing when there is a variety of ages in a class. For the younger student - it is like losing a limb if they can not be connected with their phone - reminding them that as a group we have this ground rule will keep them from feeling singled out.
Hi Natasha,
Good way to lay the ground work for how the course is going to operate. Also, by being consistent with your enforcement of the course polices you will have your students focused on how they can be successful in the course.
Gary
In the first week of class I discuss the rules and consequences. The first day I spend more time and explain why we have these rules. By the time the end of the week comes....it is drilled into their heads. I also post the rules (keep it short...like maybe your top 4 or 5 rules at most)where they can see them (usually next to a clock or something) to let them see that they are still important eventhough we are not going to discuss them every time we have class.
If someone breaks a rule (and there is always one or two) I immediately address it. This shows that I am serious and in control. I usually do not have a problem after that and everyone is happy.
It sounds elementary but it really works. Especially if you talk to them like adults and let them know that it is needed to keep the classroom free of chaos.
Hi Niels,
Great strategy! Gets the point across and is fun besides. Thanks for sharing it.
Gary
Hi Virginia,
I dealt with this very issue Wednesday night in my class. I have a strict no cell phone use rule in my class. A younger student pulls out his cell phone and starts texting. It was a test to see if I would do anything about it. I had to address the situation or I would have lost control of the class. I was lecturing and when he started texting I just told him to put away the phone and he did. I just kept going and did not break the flow of the class. After class the student came up to me and told me he was sorry for texting in class. I told him I really appreciated him owning up to the situation and having a possible attitude of it not happening again. The result is that I have control of the class they know I enforce my class rules and I am not going to have any further problems like this in class because I didn't let the problem grow.
To me professional behavior is professional behavior no matter the generation. The younger students have more problems with this of course but I keep working helping them to develop the soft skills needed to have a successful career.
Gary
I have done the "if the phone rings" thing (usually I have them bring cookies) but that doesn't bother me that much. In fact, the ringing rarely happens. It's the students that have their phones in their pockets on vibrate and are taking them out every 10 minutes to check who is calling them and, frequently, texting them back...Does this generation really not see an issue with this? I'm thinking about starting to do the same thing just to see what they think. Like stopping and taking my phone out during a lecture or class activity, pretend to read a text and then text back...I wonder what the reaction would be.
I have that same challenge in the course I teach. On the first day of class I review the syllabus and the ground rules for for the course. I mention that the cell phones are not permitted and if you must answer a call/text please go into the hall and take care of it. I then go on to state this is a higher learning arena,distractions not only keep you from learning but the person next to you and that is the same as stealing.I also explain that if your are constantly leaving the class to take care of you phone, that too is a distraction and I will ask you to leave and return when take care of you concern. Note that time will be docked for time out of class.
If the cell phone goes off during class, that student needs to buy pizza for the class. It usually takes only once and they turn off the cell phones but it gets the rest of the class involved in the "fun" without resorting to punitive measures...at least for the first offense!
