Dealing with the student who is only interested in the social network
Put distinct expectations in the syllabus about the improper use of cell pone/iPad/pda.....etc.
and be explicit about the demerits or increasing discipline levels and the negative influence on their class grade.
These are all strategies that I have implemented. Students DO NOT like being sent home. Especially when "they are paying" to be here! Especially when they lose attendance time.
Hi Amy,
Rules and consequences put fear in most people, and rules and consequences have proven to be very effective.
Patricia Scales
I've not started teaching yet, but I am in the classroom helping and observing. This is a HUGE problem. Great idea having explicit rules and consequences in writing.
Hi John,
Before cell phones were invented, parents were contacted. If it is a true emergency the call will be made to the school. I do not let students use this as an excuse. The children need to have the number to the front desk; this is the way things were done before cell phones came along.
Patricia Scales
I very much like the idea of a written code of conduct, especially with cell phones and pda's and pads. It drives me crazy to see a student texting or playing a game and ignoring what is going on in class. I often call them out by asking if their friend is enjoying our class or helping them with answers. This may not be the most constructive approach, as I am trying to shame them into stopping what they are doing. It does distract both me and the class, so I need a better approach.
What do you suggest with adult students that have children that may need to reach them during class? Ask them to leave the room to call or text?
This is pretty much how we do it also. The phones, if i see it out twice and the student continues to have it out they will be asked to leave resulting in an absense.
I like the idea of a phone/tablet/media policy in writing to eliminate excuses. In the past I have always tried to suggest to the offenders that their behavior is negatively impacting their classmates and that they themselves would not appreciate being treated in a similar manner. Usually works fine but a written rule would serve as a good backup when dealing with social misfits or egoists.
Hi Justin,
Cell Phone going off-Remove from class, and the student receives an absence for that class for the day. Student out of dress code-student is sent home and is marked absent in all classes. Cheating-student may possibly receive a 0 on the assignment, fail the course, or be suspended from school. Conduct Code-student is suspended/expelled from school with the right to appeal.
Patricia Scales
Hi Edie,
That's right! When it is in writing, students can't come up with excuses.
Patricia Scales
This is a great idea and something that I will add to my syllabus for my next class!
What are some examples of demerits or discipline levels that you enforce?
