Using Texting Language
Hello Dr. Wilkinson and Colleagues,
I've noticed that many students intersperse texting language into their discussion board posts even though I post class announcements and indicate in the grading rubrics that points will be deducted for using texting language anywhere in the classroom or in their homework. How do you handle this issue? What strategies have you employed to deter the use of texting language?
Kind regards,
Sara Fine
Instructor
If the purpose of college is to gove student tools for success, proper writing and grammar and spelling are some of the techniques students need to master to gain that success
Harry,
I do think we have an obligation to help them with proper writing and grammar no matter what the content contains but I do use texting context to teach economic use of words and conciseness!
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
Sara,
I actually create a generic rubric that I use to grade discussion and I talk about the "shortcuts" I also have on discussion area that is grade free that they can discuss issues but that will not count as participation.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
Although I do not run into this problem very often, I make it clear that proper English and grammar is required in both the discussion boards and their papers. One "slip" creates a warning, the second time results in loss of points on that assignment. I make sure that I put this in my Instructor Expectations, and emphasize it again in the CHAT session.
I firmly believe, especially in the health care profession, my teaching area, that there is a place for texting and what I call casual English - but not in the classroom, or subsequent to that, in the workplace.
Once you make this obvious, do you usually find that students are compliant?
Susan Miedzianowski
I don't know if you will ever "fix" this specific problem. However, if the students truely need to write as they text, provide them an opportunity to do so. Obviously not in a paper, discussion board, etc. But, maybe in a more personal blog, or informal assignment. Another idea is to integrate an assignment at the begining of the class as to the inappropriateness of using text language in a classroom environment. Get creative with it. Unfortunately I don't have a specifc idea for the assignment, but put your mind to it and I'm sure something can be done. Make it funny maybe, but yet to the point.
I think that the use of texting language is another shortcut to formal writing and has its place in the right environment,i.e, cell phones, blogs,tweets. I do not think we can let the student believe it is an acceptable mode of writing when discussing a topic in an academic setting or sending an e-mail in a professional setting. Pardon the pun-but this sends the wrong message. Just as we would not suggest they go to a job interview in their cut-offs and t-shirts because it is easier or quicker for them. I believe there are some conventional behaviors that must be maintained for the purpose of reinforcing some simple rules of etiquette.
Susan,
I agree with you. I also have rubrics that consistently remind students the importance of grammar and punctuation. I also model it or at least try!
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
Nate,
I have one assignment that they have to use complete words but who ever restates the concept in the fewest amount of words earns extra points.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
I have had that problem before and handle it in many ways depending on the students. I have had them type up a document as if it were coming from a medical office as this is their area of training and have their classmates review it. Then I have the same information typed up and ask them which one looks more professional. I have also showed them how I evaluate their work like a graing ruberick and let them see how they could have gotten a better score with a more acceptable form of word selection.
Inone case I had a repeat affender who I had keep a word document open the entire day and everytime she had used texting lingo I had her search the dictionary or other forms of reference manuals to come up with alternative words. In this case the student has to have a sense of humor and the instructor's delivery should not be in the form of punishment but a visual of the more acceptable ways in which we should represent ourselves.
Texting language is rapid, particularly on discussion board posting. When communicating the expectations for the course, I prepare a section which speaks to proper writing and grammar within the rubric. In terms of strategies, I post examples of the “Do’s and Don’ts associated with texting language in a professional or academic environment.
Ken
I have an example in my very first chat that shows a real life example of a "professional" in the field writing in the way in which s/he speaks rather than writing properly. I show it and ask the students if they would hire this person or not. I then ask if they would patronize the company that hired this person. The results are a resounding "no". I also go over grammar issues in the chat and post slides in the instructor files. I also address this in my course expectations and ask the students to "hunt" some specific words in the course expectations during the first week for DB posting. The specified words are imbedded in the course expectations and are placed strategically so the students have to read the parts about grammar and responses, etc.
We talk about the fact they might not get hired, or might lose a job based on their ability to communicate. I encourage them “to write the way they read, rather than the way they speakâ€. So far that has gotten the point across to the majority of them
My only question is how many students are actually answering these discussion boards ON THEIR PHONES in the first place? I have no way of knowing that but I think it would be worth investigating.
This is such a difficult issue. I try to explain to students that they really are judged by the quality of their writing. I tell them about the time I got an email from a student using lower case i's in the text. I almost recommended that this student be placed in remedial English classes because I thought her writing was that poor. (This was years ago before I was into texting myself).
Being that I teach college, I strongly emphasize how a job or a promotion can depend on the quality of the applicant's writing. Texting language can be easily taken as a sign of not being literate.
Kenneth,
Good for you! I agree with you to set your texting expectations.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
Tiffany,
What a great idea. Have them identify the lack of professionalism in other documents. Good idea.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
Jennifer,
What great idea. You have thought this through. Thank you for sharing.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
Janis,
I do think that we can use texting to improve their communication. I want them to limit the words they use so I use messaging. Can they get a point across within 140 characters using good words and grammar.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
Hi Jennifer,
Excellent idea! I love this. I think by demonstrating how silly communicating in this matter can appear - students may be more careful to not repeat that same mistake.
You do raise another great point about students replying to discussions on their phone. I have never thought about that. I would hope this is not taking place quite frequently but when you think about it, I'm sure this happens all of the time.
I think setting expectations up front is key to mitigating this type of unprofessional issue.
Thanks! Shannon
Shannon,
I agree with you. You have to make your point!
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
Sarah,
I make sure that I note in the grading of the assignment that texting language is not acceptable. I also make comments in the chat sessions that proper grammar/spelling should be used in all assignments. It seems that I used to have more students who used texting language but for some reason lately most of the students use "real" English language in their writing.
