PS:
thank you for your unexpectedly personalized and comprehensive reply. Your point is well made and well taken.
JBH
Hi Jonathan,
There are workplace policies. If the policy states no cell phone, the expectant father will have to get a phone call through the receptionist. Some companies have cell phone policies, others don't. It depends on the company. It is very societal, rich folks always get what they want! I was also taught to catch more flies with honey, but do it the right way...I do not believe in bending, but in my tenure of teaching for 24 years, I have caught a lot of flies with honey by being fair and consistent to all. I typically do not have problems with students, but if I do they are handled quickly and swiftly.
Patricia Scales
Hi Ticha,
It sounds like you have a good grip on cell phones. If your system is effective, continue to use it.
Patricia Scales
Dear PS:
I think the cell phone is one of the most culturally destructive devices ever foisted upon society. I think it has contributed to the "dumbing-down" of of our country.
Having said that, I've read several of your comments on this subject. I believe in a little more flexibility. So many times we hear "make the classroom like real life," and in real life, an (e.g.,) expectant father is going to have his phone on vibrate in the classroom or at work.
It also depends on the age of students. When I taught primarily rich undergrads, there was nothing an instructor could do about texting in classes of 35. Privileged kids are going to do what they want, when their parents are paying 50,000/year. I would make jokes about it, occasionally I would "confiscate" a phone (and give it back) get a laugh, and get on with the class.
With adults, similarly, flexibility is called for. As an employer, I know that if respect is given to employees, the returns to me are obvious and immediate. Laying down a dead-line (if you cross this, I will shoot you) is not my style. Mother taught me to catch more flies with honey - and this has helped me make the money.
Finally, the assumption made in the above comments is that people (including students/learners)are reasonable. I have never had a "problem student" that I couldn't handle. In the event a cell-phone user became unreasonable in classroom usage, stronger steps would be needed.
I told the students NO cell phones - no texting, no making calls. BUT I do let them take the phones out and use them as calculators. My class is small enough- 19 students- that I can readily see if a student is using the phone inappropialy.
Last week I saw three!!! students with their phones out and texting. Instead of making a scene, I turned around and wrote on the board "Put away cellphones, please" and haven't had problems since... of course, we'll see if it stays that way.
Hi Jamie,
Your students know your stance on cell phones on Day 1. I am sure you have minimal problems with cell phone issues. I like the story you tell your students about the white residue. :-)
Patricia Scales
I do not allow cell phone use in my class and students are made aware of that on day 1. I let them know that they are adults and are free to leave class at anytime should they have an emergency but that texting, using phone as timer or calculator or notetaking is not allowed. I bookend this with a humorous story about breaking my phone- I am a Chef and I took my borken phone to be repaired, when I picked it up the repairman asked what I did for a living, when I told him he said "Oh...when I opened up your phone it was filled with white residue. I almost called the cops because I thought it was drugs!" Of course, it was flour. That way student feel like having their phones out may actually damage their phones.
Hi Denise,
I concur! Regardless as to where cell phones are being utilized, they take away, what a distraction.
Patricia Scales
In class or on the job they can be a great distraction. As a new instructor I have noticed a disregard for policy. After a final last week, even though class time must still be adhered to, adult student begin to get out phones requiring several reminders to put way. Each term requires reiteration of your expectations. Helpful example.
Hi Audrey,
Do not let your students disobey you. Put a plan into effect, if you take your cell phone out during class, you will be sent out of the class for the day and be marked absent along with getting zeroes on any missed assignments during your absence.
Patricia Scales
Hi Courtney,
I teach at a similar institution as yours working with adult learners, and I have seen just the opposite. Students do not take it as an insult; they understand that most employers will not tolerate cell phones. Cell phone issues are slim to none at my institution. You get what you expect from students. Raise the bar!
Patricia Scales
Hi Larisa,
Send them home, and this will put an end to this nonsense!
Patricia Scales
Hello there,
I also have a huge problem with cell phones. I have informed the students that they cannot have their cell phones out but that seems to fade during class. I have made it a policy not to have cell phones out during the test and that seems to have stuck with the students. It is during lecture time--- they are constantly on their cell phones.
It is very difficult to enforce this policy. There is always a perfect excuse to try to use a cell in class. I tell my students that in the health field the use of a cell is a big issue. I always share with my class a story about how a phlebotomist was drawing my blood and her phone started to ring and she picked up the call and forgot about me. I finished the procedure. When she came back she had a nice surprise. I was waiting there with the doctor and she was fired in front of me for leaving the needle inside of my arm unattended. I use this example in class as a reminder how using a cell can cause harm in our jobs.
I'm not sure what kind of students you have at your institution, but I teach adult learners and reprimanding them not only doesn't work, it's insulting. Yes, there is a time and place for cell phones, however in this age of technology it is better, in my and my institutions opinion, to embrace and incorporate it then fight and disregard it.
If you DO decide to enforce a zero tolerance policy, and you catch someone texting, for example, how do you choose to address it? Do you take it from them that second? Do you take off points? Do you make an example of them? Do you ask them nicely? what do you suggest?
Hi Courtney,
Beating them at their own game is to reprimand them according to policy. We have a zero tolerance for cell phones at my institution. Our students know and understand the seriousness of the policy.
Patricia Scales
I've included it into my lecture. I use www.polleverywhere.com to quiz my students during class. Even with a steadfast policy and strong enforcement, they will still use them. So I decided to beat them at their own game!!
Hi Christophe,
We have an institution-wide no cell phone policy on in the classroom, and we have MINIMAL dealings with students not abiding by the policy.
Patricia Scales
Hi Barbara,
Absolutely! Cell phones can be a big disruption in a learning environment!
Patricia Scales
