
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
Kevin,
Smart idea with the pre-written responses! Do others use this? It is a great workload minimizer. I agree with you patience must be in huge supply! Modeling and expectations of good communication skills goes a long ways to correct bad habits.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
I would never use texting language myself, but not because I do not use it elsewhere. Our students will be heading out to professional environments, and if one of them uses it in an email to his/her supervisor, it could prove very embarrassing.
Patience is the right approach, though. Grumble and complain on our own side of the computer barrier, but be nice in explaining the problem.
I have a half dozen versions of a pre-written response to this issue that I pull out when necessary. Each is friendly but firm.
That's my take.
Kevin
Andrea,
I have started making my students create their professional writing plan. When I return a corrected paper, the students have to review the feedback then create a journal entry telling me what they will focus on in their next paper. I use that to evaluate their next paper. I use the journal function in my LMS for their entries. You could use a variety of tools.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
Hello Dr Wilkinson;
I know many of our students fall into what is easy and quick for them to do. I am usually able to get them to correct themselves as far as shorthand texting, but my problem stems with the high amount of misspellings and grammatical errors.
What can be done to impress upon the students the extreme importance of correct spelling, punctuation and correct usage of words? My students really struggle with this area.
Thank you, AB
Frances,
There are also some really good Youtube clips that parody some of this. It does make a 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.
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
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
Jennifer,
What great idea. You have thought this through. Thank you for sharing.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
Tiffany,
What a great idea. Have them identify the lack of professionalism in other documents. Good idea.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
Kenneth,
Good for you! I agree with you to set your texting expectations.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
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.
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.
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 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.
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
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
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.