Keeping Students Focused
This seems to be the biggest challenge for me. They always seem to be checking their phone for texts or Facebook or running around the lab area to talk to their friends in other classes.
What is a good way to beat this issue?
This was also a challenge for me as well. Phones are not to be visible in my classroom and if I catch them on their phones during class, I give them a zero for participation. This may be harsh, but it works for me!
Richard,
I see this problem frequently. During skills check-off, when the instructor is evaluating students individually, the other students have time to work independently. However, getting them to actually work can be difficult.
I try to be very clear on my expectations. Since the program is accelerated, they often have complaints regarding the amount of homework they have to complete. I remind them that they have time in class and they need to learn time management, using that extra lab time to study.
If they have completed all their coursework and still say they have nothing to do, then its expected that they get in gropus and study together.
Thanks,
Becky
Thomas,
Yes, setting clear expectations from the start does equal results for students.
Ron Hansen, Ed. D.
I have found that if you set the expectation right from the start as far as the use of electronics, students will respect it. As long as you respond accordingly when tested by the students it seems to be a non issue after a couple of days. The only trouble is there can't be any leeway, if you relax the rules at all it will get away from you.
For the most part they keep them off. As far as checking the level of understanding I spend a short time at the beginning of the next day to see what they remember and understand.
David,
How is it working keeping the phones off? How do you check for understanding when you shift gears?
Ron Hansen, Ed. D.
I make it clear the first day that they are not allowed to have a cell phone out during class time. I also tell them that if they have a life issue that requires the use of one to make me aware and I will give them time to make or receive a phone call. As far as keeping them focused I find it helpful to shift gears often between demonstrations, lecture, asking questions of them and at times straying of topic a bit to get their minds engaged again.
James,
A good rule to follow with the phones in this case.
Ron Hansen, Ed. D.
I do understand your concerns, but as for my lab classes, I feel that I have a certain repore with the students and they know my expectations the first day. We do nothing without explanation and demonstration first. We always follow safety first. I also do not allow cell phones to be on in the lab, I tell them this is a distraction and can cause injuries and lack of concentration.
Cindy,
What do you mean by take up?
Ron Hansen, Ed. D.
I actually take up cell phones at the beginning of class because didnt we all at one time did not have cell phones what did we do before they were out.
Charlotta,
You probably do not have to do this too often with the same class or same students.
Ron Hansen, Ed. D.
Richard, you are correct; this can be a challenge in the classroom. This happens more in my night classes. What I do in my classroom is if I notice they are drifting off to sleep or going to their cell phones. I will ask them a question about what it is that we are discussing and they usually perk up. When all else fails take a small break to allow them to stretch because remember most of these students are working people with families.
Brian,
Mobile applications for educational use increase in their number every day. It is the way things will be going. Having them research course related material on the internet, even Facebook or Youtube is a consideration. Take a look yourself at what is available. You might be surprised. Also, peer to peer learning, even asking questions of each other, has one of the highest levels of retention of information. Be thankful they are asking the questions. Turn this into an activity too.
Ron Hansen, Ed. D.
I have also wondered the same thing at times. We seem to have a new type of student that prefers to check their social status more than their current work at hand. I have also noticed a considerable amount more of students walking around and asking other students the answer more than researching the information themselves.
We do have a policy about the use of cell phones at my school, but I think it is a catch 22. We don't want them using them to look at youtube or facebook, yet we want them to use the tools on there. For example, we want them to use the calculator sometimes, or maybe use the camera to be able to look back at something they took apart later on.
I am trying to find a way to balance it all and having troubles with it.
Richard,
There are several things you can do. If you have a policy about no phones in class enforce it. If not, have them research course related topics on their phones. If they leave the classroom to visit another lock the door and work with the other instructors to redirect students back to their assigned classrooms.
Ron Hansen, Ed. D.
