I don't know if you will ever "fix" this specific problem. However, if the students truely need to write as they text, provide them an opportunity to do so. Obviously not in a paper, discussion board, etc. But, maybe in a more personal blog, or informal assignment. Another idea is to integrate an assignment at the begining of the class as to the inappropriateness of using text language in a classroom environment. Get creative with it. Unfortunately I don't have a specifc idea for the assignment, but put your mind to it and I'm sure something can be done. Make it funny maybe, but yet to the point.
Although I do not run into this problem very often, I make it clear that proper English and grammar is required in both the discussion boards and their papers. One "slip" creates a warning, the second time results in loss of points on that assignment. I make sure that I put this in my Instructor Expectations, and emphasize it again in the CHAT session.
I firmly believe, especially in the health care profession, my teaching area, that there is a place for texting and what I call casual English - but not in the classroom, or subsequent to that, in the workplace.
Once you make this obvious, do you usually find that students are compliant?
Susan Miedzianowski
Sara,
I actually create a generic rubric that I use to grade discussion and I talk about the "shortcuts" I also have on discussion area that is grade free that they can discuss issues but that will not count as participation.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
Harry,
I do think we have an obligation to help them with proper writing and grammar no matter what the content contains but I do use texting context to teach economic use of words and conciseness!
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
If the purpose of college is to gove student tools for success, proper writing and grammar and spelling are some of the techniques students need to master to gain that success
