When class is in session, I do not allow the students to use their cellphones. I will modify that policy at times if I do not have available computers, but I keep a watch on the students I allow to use their phones during this time. Anyway, Tuesday must have been "National disregard of Coach T's cell phone policy". I had given several verbal warnings to students for using their phones during the lecture/discussion segment. I eventially collected two students phones and placed them on my desk. This was after multiple direct warnings to those students, and again, several warnings to other students.
One of my female students thought she was very slick, and had her phone placed to where she "thought" I didnt see it or notice it. Well, I not only could see the phone, but I could see the screen enough that I was certain she was texting someone. So, I directly called her name and told her of her final warning before I took the phone for the remainder of the class period. She then made the mistake of lying to me and saying she was not using her phone, in a rather loud and sarcastic tone. I knew better, as I had seen the illuminated screen and could almost certainly know that she was texting. Instead of " Please put the phone away for the final time", which is my usual thought and response, "Put the phone up immediately or its mine" came out of my mouth. To which, she replied that I would not take her phone in a snarky, sarcastic reply again. So then my mouth failed to properly verbalize my thoughts again, and I replied in a stern, loud, and sarcastic voice "Do not challenge me." This was followed by complete silence in the classroom.
She then put the phone in her backpack. I was a little pissed that she had chosen to challenge me, and especially in front of the class. After I moved on, had some time to let the situation go, I realized that I could have handled the situation much, much better. Before the class dismissed for the day, I called the student to my desk. We then had a polite and productive conversation regarding the phone. I realized that we had both challenged each other to the point where the "gloves were off" so to speak. We both apologized to each other and have moved forward. So, actually, we both learned from the situation, but I learned that I must not allow my typical response when tested become my normal response.
This site is a class blog space for new Career and Technical Specializations and Heathcare Science teachers enrolled in the New Teacher Institute (NTI) at Georgia State University in Atlanta, Georgia.
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2. Show respect and consideration of others when posting and commenting. This includes individuals, students, organizations, political parties, colleagues, etc.
3. Check all posts for spelling and grammar errors before posting.
4. Protect the privacy of others. Gain permission from other people before you write about them. Avoid sharing someone else's last name. Use job titles or pseudonyms when writing about experiences with your co-workers or students.
5. Watch your language. Use politically correct and non-offensive language.
6. Make sure you write about things that are factual.
7. Keep your postings education-oriented. Avoid discussing plans for the weekend, etc.
FINAL BLOG POST - OUR "DAILY TRIPLE" (DUE 12/1).
This week I would like you to use your imagination. You have just won the lottery and will leave your teaching post immediately to travel around the world. As you leave your keys you meet your replacement. You are asked to give this new teacher just ONE piece of advice. What would that be, and why? Enjoy your world expedition!
Blog Post - Week 7
This past week in my own teaching I felt a little disconnected which prompts my question to you, "What was the moment (or moments) when I felt most disconnected or disengaged as a teacher - the moment(s) I said to myself, I'm just going through the motions here?"
Fall Semester 2016 Blog Post - Week 6
For the past couple of weeks you have experienced asynchronous online learning (doing modules by yourself). Previously this semester you have experienced synchronous online learning (all together in the Collaborate room). Which do you think is more effective and why do you think that? Which do you like better, and why?
Fall Semester 2016 Blog Post - Week 5
This week we have what we call "open mic." You can write a post about anything related to your teaching that you would like responses from your classmates.
Fall Semester 2016 Blog Post - Week 4
Here is this week's question: "What was the event that most took me surprise this week - and event that shook me up, caught me off guard, gave me a jolt, or made me unexpectedly happy?"
Fall Semester 2016 Blog Post - Week 3
Please write a post about the following question, "In thinking about my past week teaching what is one thing I would do differently, and why?"
Fall Semester 2016 Blog Post - Week 2
Please write a post about the following question, " In thinking about my teaching activities this past week, of what do I feel most proud? Why?"
Fall Semester 2016 Blog Post - Week 1
Describe something you used in your program in the first weeks of school that you learned in the summer NTI program. How did it work? Did it get you off to a stronger start than last year?
1 comment:
I completely understand the phone battle as a teacher.
My syllabus this year was clear and consistent with school policy: student phones are in the off position and in their back pack at all times (the problem here is that very few teachers enforce this). The first few weeks of school were a challenge, for sure. I heard everything from checking the time, texting my mom, etc. UGGH! It took several times of gathering a phone and taking it to the office, which requires a parent to come pick it up, to get their attention.
Phone abuse has died off - for the moment, anyway.
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