text messaging in class
How do we stop students from text messaging in class. I find it is a huge problem.
I agree with enforcing a no cell phone policy and if caught using texting, they are held responsible via the consequences. I find that students tend to try the instructors, however, when we follow through with consequences it ususally stops.
Hi Samuel,
Great idea. I have heard of a similar idea where students drop their cell phone in a basket at the door upon their arrival to prevent distractions from learning.
Patricia Scales
One thing that has worked for some of the instructor's in my institution - is that we use one of those "over-the-door" shoe organizers to hlod the phones while class is in session. Student's place their phone in one of the cubbies and can only retrieve them on breaks. It keeps the 'distractions' out of the classroom and creates an environment that fosters learning rather than personal communications. It is one use of product that has worked for us.....
Cellphone usage is in the contract they have to sign. The first time you get the warning, second time you must go see the program chairperson, loose all points for the day, and cannot return without a note from the program chair.
Leaving the class to take calls during class is another point deduction. I explain to them that the point deduction will have an impact on the final grade.
This has worked for me quite well, especially since some of the in-class activities can have an extremely high point value.
I don't run across this alot but I think if I did, I would just ask the student to leave the phone on my desk for the duration of the class...being that my students are all adults..I think this approach may just do the trick
Hi Thomas,
Points are deducted from their participation and attendance grade because they are sent home for the day. They can also possibly get zeros on assignments that may be missed that day.
Patricia
Hi Thomas,
Students are removed from the class for the day, marked absent and receive zeros on all assignments for the day. It is an institutional policy that is enforced by all instructors.
Patricia
Deducting points from what?
What are the consequences? How do you enforce them?
I just began working at a career college supervising students in clinic. One of them told me during a conversation that in a particular class the students use the phones to text one another answers to instructor questions so that she will move on to her next point. I find it appalling that 1)the students are so blatant in their disrespect of the instructor, 2)the instructor either is blind to or chooses to ignore such behavior in the students. It makes my head spin. I love the phone basket idea. Brilliant!
Hi Fernando,
Students must be held accountable. If you break the policy, you suffer the consequence.
Patricia
We also have no cell phone policy. And because we have consequences, we have minimal problems with cell phones, but we hold the students to the consequences. police.
HI, I also have no cell phone in class policy. If someone does text as a habit, I talk to that student individually.
Hi Anne,
Try the basket idea, I hear that is it very effective.
Patricia
I agree that in the technology age it can be very difficult to pry a cell phone out of a student's hand. Between texts, email, internet, Facebook, Twitter..... many of my students seem to want to have their phone visible at all times. I like the idea of the phone basket. It is one that will have to try. I also understand that my students are adults and have responsibilies that extend outside of the classroom walls. If they have a phone call they know will be coming they are to let me know ahead of time and then take the call in the hall. I haven't had much of an issue with that aspect of it, but attempting media usage in class is always a problem.
I also have a strict policy in my classroom. I also have the student leave the classroom if they need to make a call. I have a Cellphone basket at my dest and if I see a student texting during my lecture I give one warning and after that the phone goes into the basket for the rest of the day. The Student is allowed to get the phone out on break, but has to return it to the basket when entering the classroom.
Hi Terrie,
When students are held accountable, such as deducting points, they tend to take the policy more seriously.
Patricia
I agree with this policy. I teach many adult students with children and I do understand the occasional cell phone call.
I make it known the first day that these calls do not take place in the classroom.
My policy is that if the student wants to use the phone the student must do it outside the classroom.
If I see an student texting in classroom I immediately make a general classroom assignment reminding all students that phone usage in the classroom is not allowed and students must go outside. If I see the student texting again I have a private conversation with the student at the end of the class.
