frustration
What I’m dealing with right now are students acting out in the class room due to lack of employment. The unemployment rate is growing and it is affecting the students in the class room and their studies. Being that we are an adult trade school, most students must have a job to survive. Because of this students are using their cell phones in class because of possible job related phone calls. This brakes their study habits and crates a hazard along with a disruption of class. Intern causing student failure.
I have also noted this type of behavior with the students at my institution as well. I try to empathize with the students on hthier situtation and investigate whether or not they are utilizing the right tools to find jobs. For instance i personally proofread their resumes and always give them encouragement to continue thier search. But, I always tell them to never slight thier education, because the education will solidify thier future regardless of the economy.
I always remind the students that the classroom can be an escape from all of the other outside influences around them. A place where the you can put aside those other issues and focus on learning.
Hi Diane,
Cell phone useage is a challenge for instructors and students. How everyone can be accessible but not intrusive. By having a clear policy on cell phones and enforcing that policy you can reduce much frustration on the part of everyone.
Gary
I aagree, in the beginning of the new class I always tell my students that cell phone calls are not to be taken in the classroom. I always have my phone on because my son has medical issues and if they get a call to please take it outside of the building. It shows respect for the fellow students and the instructor.
Hi Cole,
You make a good point about why students enroll in college in the first place. To develop marketable skills. They need help to keep this foremost in their minds as they work through the courses.
Gary
I do understand the frustrations in the job market, but the students are enroled in a trade college for a reason, and that is to master their craft. If they do not focus on the class' content then they are doing a disservice to theirselves, other students and their chosen profession.
Many of the students are concerned about employment. What I have begun to do is to take time out of the normal curriculum and do an interview process with the students, including resume building, interview tactics, filling out employment applications, etc. in order to prepare them. I feel this is a real need at the moment. I also teach students with their careers in mind, such as terminology and skills they need in order to get the job and stand apart from other applicants. These include writing and speaking skills among others.
I agree with Julie. Cell phones in the classroom disrupt the flow of things and breaks a students concentration. I don't believe the classroom is the place to make or take phone calls. I understand that many of the students are in need of a job and the phone call may be the job offer that they are waiting for, however, the classroom is not the place for it. The student may return the phone call during breaks or after class. Most prospective employers will leave a message and a return phone number. By accepting a phone call during class time they are taking away from their learning experience as well as learning time from their class mates.
I agree that most of the frustration the students are dealing with now has little to due with the school.Jobs,family issues and monetary issues are putting alot of stress on our younger students as well as our older students.I like to stay optimstic about the economic opperitunities they will have while in the class room.
Hi Tony,
Cell phones are a challenge for instructors. There are about as many policies on using them as there are instructors. My advice is to decide what will work for you and then consistently enforce that policy.
I did this a number of years ago and haven't had a real problem with cell phones since. What I had to learn though was that I couldn't ignore the phones and let the students use their judgment in terms of using them. Their judgment was almost constant use class or no class. That was quickly changed so now they know my policy I repeat just to make sure and we go from there. It has worked well.
Gary
Tell them they can't use there phone unless the tell you before class starts that the are expecting an inportant phone call. All other calls should not be allowed
Hi Julie,
Excellent job of how you would set up the classroom to be supportive, inviting and ready for instruction. Thank you for sharing your perspective on cell phone use by students. This is probably the most common situation that causes issues between students and instructors. Instructors have to determine what their policies are going to be and stick with them. Mine is like yours. Cell phones are not going to be a bother in my classes period. Have had this rule for a number of years with no problems. We have an emergency program like yours so contact is always there for students in case of an emergency.
Gary
I would set up the classroom in a circle and have a jam session first of all so that everyone could have a turn at voicing their concerns. If all students were active in this session, I may suggest role-playing to develop some options of solving their problems or at least address their frustrations. If some students were shy and not able to voice their concerns publically, I would chat with them specifically one on one to help them unload their unemployment frustration. Allowing frustration to build up is physically and mentally dangerous to the student and the classmates. If the discussions or role-playing get loud, as the instructor, I have to remember to keep the class in control and encourage growth of students.
The fact that using the cell phones in class and disrupting the class is probably a class/school rule which is being violated would have to be re-interated, addressed, and supported. As the class leader, I would encourage them to use the phone in the student lounge or outdoors per the school policy. I would remind the students as professional students we want all students to have the opportunity to have a safe and quality educational environment to learn. Loud and personal conversations will interupt the learning flow. I would offer that the student could be reached in emergency at the front office as they will urgently inform the student as needed.
Hi Richard,
What a challenging situation you are facing. With the down turn in employment opportunities another situation has been created for you and your students. Their need for success is being hurt by their need to respond to calls which breaks their learning patterns. Is there a way to create segments in the flow of the course to allow them to respond to calls while still staying focused on the course? What are some of the strategies you are using to handle the situation?
Gary
