I do not allow cell phone use in my class and students are made aware of that on day 1. I let them know that they are adults and are free to leave class at anytime should they have an emergency but that texting, using phone as timer or calculator or notetaking is not allowed. I bookend this with a humorous story about breaking my phone- I am a Chef and I took my borken phone to be repaired, when I picked it up the repairman asked what I did for a living, when I told him he said "Oh...when I opened up your phone it was filled with white residue. I almost called the cops because I thought it was drugs!" Of course, it was flour. That way student feel like having their phones out may actually damage their phones.
Hi Jamie,
Your students know your stance on cell phones on Day 1. I am sure you have minimal problems with cell phone issues. I like the story you tell your students about the white residue. :-)
Patricia Scales
I told the students NO cell phones - no texting, no making calls. BUT I do let them take the phones out and use them as calculators. My class is small enough- 19 students- that I can readily see if a student is using the phone inappropialy.
Last week I saw three!!! students with their phones out and texting. Instead of making a scene, I turned around and wrote on the board "Put away cellphones, please" and haven't had problems since... of course, we'll see if it stays that way.
Dear PS:
I think the cell phone is one of the most culturally destructive devices ever foisted upon society. I think it has contributed to the "dumbing-down" of of our country.
Having said that, I've read several of your comments on this subject. I believe in a little more flexibility. So many times we hear "make the classroom like real life," and in real life, an (e.g.,) expectant father is going to have his phone on vibrate in the classroom or at work.
It also depends on the age of students. When I taught primarily rich undergrads, there was nothing an instructor could do about texting in classes of 35. Privileged kids are going to do what they want, when their parents are paying 50,000/year. I would make jokes about it, occasionally I would "confiscate" a phone (and give it back) get a laugh, and get on with the class.
With adults, similarly, flexibility is called for. As an employer, I know that if respect is given to employees, the returns to me are obvious and immediate. Laying down a dead-line (if you cross this, I will shoot you) is not my style. Mother taught me to catch more flies with honey - and this has helped me make the money.
Finally, the assumption made in the above comments is that people (including students/learners)are reasonable. I have never had a "problem student" that I couldn't handle. In the event a cell-phone user became unreasonable in classroom usage, stronger steps would be needed.
Hi Ticha,
It sounds like you have a good grip on cell phones. If your system is effective, continue to use it.
Patricia Scales
Hi Jonathan,
There are workplace policies. If the policy states no cell phone, the expectant father will have to get a phone call through the receptionist. Some companies have cell phone policies, others don't. It depends on the company. It is very societal, rich folks always get what they want! I was also taught to catch more flies with honey, but do it the right way...I do not believe in bending, but in my tenure of teaching for 24 years, I have caught a lot of flies with honey by being fair and consistent to all. I typically do not have problems with students, but if I do they are handled quickly and swiftly.
Patricia Scales
PS:
thank you for your unexpectedly personalized and comprehensive reply. Your point is well made and well taken.
JBH
I also let my students know on the very first day that they must put their cell phones away. They can have their cell phones on vibrate because I know that most of us are parents, but they must leave the phones in their pockets or purses and not on the table. They can leave at any time to take an emergency call. They have a clear understanding on day 1 about my low tolerance for cell phones.
This I am going to do. I tend to not make a big deal of cell phones/ texting in class. If they want to miss the material then who am I to force it? They are paying for their knowledge. They are only accountable to themselves. But a silent reminder could not hurt.
Hi Carol,
I let my students know that they are paying for the opportunity to attend the institution, and that all rules, policies, and procedures will be strictly enforced as set by the institution.
Patricia Scales
I find that even if the student is not using the cell phone, many times I hear them ringing in backpacks, purses, etc so I need to remind them to put them on silent.
I also have been having a problem with my students using cell phones. I have to mention the no cell phone policy constantly. I tell the students to have the phones either off or on vibrate and to leave class if they must take a call. I have a greater problem with the younger students (18-25) than I do the older ones.
Hi Denise,
At my institution if the cell phone makes a sound, the student goes home, regardless as to where the phone is.
Patricia Scales
Hi Peg,
You need to reprimand your students according to the policy to rectify this problem.
Patricia Scales
I've had some problems with cell phones. The policy is set at the beginning of class. Professionalism points are deducted if a cell phone goes off. During testing, all cell phones need to be placed at the back of the room. I'm constantly walking around the room during class time and haven't noticed a problem.
This has been a hard ten weeks with this current class. I am learning from this class session techniques I can use for next ten weeks. I wish I had done this lesson prior to the ten weeks. I would have been better prepared.
I have a "No Cell Phone Use in Class" policy which I strictly adhere to. When I explain this in a serious tone of voice, there is almost no abuse of this policy.
Hi Javier,
You get from studens what you expect. When students know that you are not playing, they will do what they are supposed to.
Patricia Scales
I am very glad to hear you say this. I can't count how many times I have heard "I'm paying for this class...etc." and a good (and work-appropriate!) response has always escaped me. Thank you for putting it so eloquently!
This is a great discussion topic; I see there are many different views on the use/abuse of cell phones in the classroom.
I feel that it would be beneficial to let the students know up front that this will not be tolerated. Phones, even on vibrate, can be very distracting. In the work place, you must have full attention on your job. If you put your phone on silent and in your purse, for example, and only check it on breaks, I have no problem with that. However, the buzzing of a phone on vibrate is another story. Also, in general, it is very rude and reduces your perception of the importance of what another is expressing to you if you are constantly looking at your cell phone as if there is something more important that you are waiting for.
My overall feeling is that there is no need for a cell phone every minute of every day. You can check it on break! Making this clear at the onset with your new students will go a long way in that you are not requiring that it be off however, you do not want to see it or hear it during classes.
