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Soliciting Opinions
Feb. 17th, 2004 08:43 pmToday 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?