Get Your Students Hired
last week i was substituting for another instructor and had the following experience: In a class of 26 students, 3 kept talking, joking and laughing at their own jokes. they were very distracting. one of the oldest students in the class complained about not being able to concentrate and learn in this environment (of course). how would you aproach this situation?
@ellythomas :I would probably give them the evil eye and at the break talk to them together to cut the crap. If they are truely problems I would suggest that if they can't refrain from talking then they need to take it outside.
The use of cell phones and texting in class is distracting. Technology has made it seem that we cannot live without. It becomes a problem when the students feel the need to continuously have this type of tool in their hands - almost like it is attached to them or that they are born with it. And it seems this type of technology is here to stay and probably will become even more advanced. It is a good tool, but students need to understand when it is appropriate to put it aside. I ask students to keep it away specifically if they do not need it.
Della, You "Hit the Nail on the Head" when you stated, " Students need consistency which means it has to be enforced across the board for them to really get it." I believe in standardization of classroom procedures to be part of the Syllabus to state the rules required in the classroom. Our goal is to establish structure, which will help our students learn skills and habits (no matte what age) to function in the outside and professional world.
@drowen : "Cell phones and texting a moot point" in class; it is not that simple in the adult environment in which I teach. Students are so attached to their technology which is very distracting for them, other students, and for the instructor. The use of cell phones and other electroniscs in class are prohibited, other than for class related reasons, according to the syllabi; however the rule is not enforced by all instructors which makes it hard for those of us who try to enforce it. Students need consistency which means it has to be enforced across the board for them to really get it. Otherwise, those instuctors who allow these type of distractions are seen as, "cool and down to earth" and those who do not are seen as rigid, mean, and controlling by students.
I remember the words of the great Donal Leu, who was the head of the University of Connecticut literacy/technology center and a great speaker. I am not sure where he is now, but he is a tremendous source of knowledge and a great influence in the field. I had him as one of my keynote speakers when I coordinated the NYS Reading Conference. One of his pertinent points was on how to deal with "distracting" students in the school system, which would be quite appropro to our discussion here. His chief recommendation would be to take this student, train that student, and make that student your tech support person in the classroom. I have spread that gospel in many schools when I do PD work in major school districts to great success. I thought this would be of interest to everyone.
Yes Dr. Talai your recommendation does work and when the student becomes the instructor the mood changes in the classroom. When I was the Director of Education I always told my instructors when they are unable to teach because of student distractions send the students to me. This was a procedures that was followed and worked on our campus.
@jpolheber : If asking them to leave is not an option, I will actually do the opposite by engaging them in the lecture! Asking them questions or assigning each one a topic to re-teach the class after my lecture.
@ellythomas : When this happened to me last term, I went and got my supervisor/advisor during the break and had them remove the student from the classroom. This sets an example that this is a place of learning and those not contributing will not be allowed to stay. Everyone has payed their money and if they read their MCO Addendum they know that we have rights as professors to act accordingly. Coco Mayer
Elly,
I had the same situation a couple of weeks ago. After redirecting the student (an adult) a couple of times, I asked the student to leave and get herself together. She refused to leave stating, "I don't have to leave, I pay my money to come here." My reply was, "So does the other 18 students in this class". Students can be so inconsiderate of others.
If we actively engage students (at all ages) in learning activities, then cell phones, talking, texting, etc. become a moot point!!
@ellythomas : This is a problem often found in the adult learning program I am a part of. I have no problem being the bad guy but many are not. One option is to give the class a 5 min break and right before resuming class address the group regarding cell phones, talking etc.
Dennis, I agree with your statement: It is our jobs as educators at all levels to create engagement with students and part of that engagement is to create opportunities for students to interact. Thank you for your voice on this subject.
@ALBULS :Andrea: I just finished viewing a Video from tha amazing Doug Fisher who actually addresses this issue (though in a literacy setting in a publich school). He is adament that if students are not interacting during learning, we are not doing our job as educators. It is our jobs as educators at all levels to create engagement with students and part of that engagement is to create opportunities for students to interact. There are many ways to do this. When I do PD work in schools throughout the U.S., I design units and activitiies that focus on students working in pairs, groups or cooperative learning based projects. When you do this with students, you will find your students engaged and highly focused on the lessons you are delivering. If you need any references on this, let me know.
We want students talking, but we want to structure our lessons so that this communication is productive and helps students learn the material and concepts we are trying to teach. This is something I strongly emphasize and model for my Graduate Students in Education.
I too deal with students that are unable to refrain from talking. They are great students, but just can not help themselves! At their age I feel a seating arrangement should not be necessary but, may be my only option. Suggestions??
@robinrowe : Well, Robin. Your students will certainly be deemed "combat ready"!!
I remember when I first started teaching in a public school in NYC. I was so nervous and had such a hard time controlling the students in a middle school. It took me years to figure it out. My solution was to transfer a lot of the ownership to the students. I designed engaging activities that were in their interest zone or focused on content they needed to know in a design that engaged them with the activity. I used PBL. I designed group activities. I developed materials myself that were interactive. I integrated technology! What a difference all of that made! Students loved coming to my classes. I ended up doing PD work in schools throughout the U.S. I developed courses and programs for publishers. My transformation made teaching so much more enjoyable for me as well. What satisfaction I had when students were actively engaged in the activities!
Just wanted to give you a perspective that might be of interest to you.
I was in the military. I bring that same discipline with me to the classroom (modified, of course) but no nonsense. There is a time for that. Talking during a lecture is a sign of disrespect. I will stop momentarily and ask them to refrain from interrupting the class. If they continue, I will ask them to leave. They won't be allowed back in until they agree to respect the other students.
@jpolheber :John, Who could keep focused in a 4 hour lecture! I agree with your tactic but am surprised at the amount of lecture.
Sometimes talking to them works. Other times you may have to bring the full weight of the rules done on them. I find it best to handle it is steps. Let the punishment fit the crime.
@ellythomas : Pul the students outside of classroom and explain the importance of this carrer choice and how they are disrupting others. Discuss outcomes if behavior is repeated.