Soliciting Opinions
Feb. 17th, 2004 08:43 pm![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
rosawToday a student in my Hist. of Xnty class played video games on her computer for the entire class. The students were supposed to be working out the historical context and theology in a primary source text in their groups, but she wasn't participating, she was playing her game. And I know it. And, at one point, she knew I knew it.
I ignored her. I congratulated the students who were putting effort into the exercise and continued to interact with them about the assignment. Even when she looked at me I didn't look at her directly again. I did not confront her nor did I acknowledge her. Two students mentioned to me after class that she was playing a game on her computer. I said, yeah, I know. Next time I'll put her in a smaller group and force her to work. But they weren't very satisfied with that and now, in hindsight, neither am I. It not only pisses me off, it sucks away my will to live and teach another day.
But I don't know what I should have done. I hate the public humiliation model of correcting student behavior and so that's right out. I'm thinking of pulling her aside next class and telling her to use her computer to take notes or leave it in her room, but that seems weak at this point. I pride myself on being an easy-going teacher, running a relaxed and inviting classroom and yet this is not only about disrespecting me, it's about disrespecting her colleagues in the class as well. What are your thoughts, dear flist? What did your profs do when someone was quietly screwing around during class?
I ignored her. I congratulated the students who were putting effort into the exercise and continued to interact with them about the assignment. Even when she looked at me I didn't look at her directly again. I did not confront her nor did I acknowledge her. Two students mentioned to me after class that she was playing a game on her computer. I said, yeah, I know. Next time I'll put her in a smaller group and force her to work. But they weren't very satisfied with that and now, in hindsight, neither am I. It not only pisses me off, it sucks away my will to live and teach another day.
But I don't know what I should have done. I hate the public humiliation model of correcting student behavior and so that's right out. I'm thinking of pulling her aside next class and telling her to use her computer to take notes or leave it in her room, but that seems weak at this point. I pride myself on being an easy-going teacher, running a relaxed and inviting classroom and yet this is not only about disrespecting me, it's about disrespecting her colleagues in the class as well. What are your thoughts, dear flist? What did your profs do when someone was quietly screwing around during class?
![[identity profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/openid.png){kind=small}
no subject
Date: 2004-02-18 06:21 am (UTC)Me (walking over to student X and turning my back to the others, looking directly in their eyes): Put the game/paper/book/iPod/computer away.
Student: Oh. Okay.
If the game comes out again, or if they stop paying attention and go back to what they were doing, I front them off immediately in class, in public. I also have consequences that range from sending them from class to an immediate zero on the project (I grade for class participation). If the game stays put, I have a few words with them after class and mention the issues of disrespect, etc.
A blind eye is interpreted as weakness and permission, and diminishes both your authority and your relevance as a teacher in the eyes of your other students. After all, if student x gets a free pass, why should the others do the work?
Direct, polite and immediate confrontation works for me. It's not public humiliation; it's a simple lesson in respect. :-)