Mark,
Not only do students need to stay away from texting language they also need to be praticing correct English and Grammar. We build into our rubrics points for spelling and grammar. I present this as being extremely important for them to practice now so that later when they enter the work force they are performing at a level that is acceptable to an employer. So many students are lacking in this area and it is really sad to see the level at which they communicate these days.
Dawn Huber
Darrin and Eileen,
Keep ensuring students use professional language and serve as a role model for them. Keep up the good work.
Eileen,
I gently encourage students to use professional language instead of suing language intended for emails or texts. I will then take one of their informal sentences and convert it into one written in a more formal tone. And finally, i refer students to the writing lab "to further practice their writing skills' which tends to be less judgmental and easier to digest for students.
Sarah,
Good point. That follow up is a key component. Thanks!
This was a huge discussion we had within our instructors as well. I have found that actually following up personally with students as well as taking points off have helped ensure compliance.
Sloan and Kelli,
Thanks for continuing the conversation. It's good to see what others do and know we're "not alone." :-)
Exactly what I do as well Kelli. I often inform students in the grading comments to read out-loud the response so they can hear mistakes and to ensure that it is the actual message they are trying to convey. It is good to see others using the same approach.
kelli,
Excellent tip. And, it puts more ownership on the students. Thanks for sharing.
In an effort to prevent my students from using texting language in their formal work, I remind them to read their communication out loud before sending it. This can help students to see where they are taking language shortcuts.
Debra & Eileen,
Good information. Thanks for sharing and continuing the conversation.
Eileen, if I may, as Dr. Crews suggests, you may provide the formative feedback and mention not to use slang, jargon, etc, in the assignment. You may also just send a note to the student advisor, so when they call them for their weekly contact, they can mention this as to reinforce the message.
Eileen,
We don't have a particular person to refer them to at the school, the student simply does not receive credit for whatever he/she posted. For example, I have a rubric for discussion board postings and if they use texting language, they do not receive credit. If they email me and there is texting language, I simply send it back and ask that they constructive a professional communication email and resend. Hope this helps.
I have often had students even use texting language in their submitted assignments. Per my list of Student Expectations, I relate that texting language is not allowed in any communication in the course.
If students continue to use texting language, how should, to whom should they be referred to in the school administration regarding this issue?
- Dr. Eileen Wibbeke
Mark,
Good job. As the students understand our expectations and professional communication, they can meet our standards. Thanks.
