My mentor teacher chooses not to make cellphones in her class a big deal, which works at some points in time, but it makes me contemplate the place of cellphones in the classroom. It truly instigates wonder at the possibility that these thorns, so crucial in our students' lives, could be deemed as crucial in our class as well. Of course, there would need to be some rules about the cellphone usage.
In their book, The First Days of School, Harry and Rosemary Wong emphasize the importance of distinguishing the specific rules and procedures of a classroom. I often return to this section of their book because it is central to the effective management of a classroom, and, when it comes to the thorns in my garden, it helps me determine ways to turn those thorns into things of importance rather than irritation. The two authors state that, "rules are used to set limits," (151), but not necessarily extinguish an entity.
The Wongs advise to, "limit your rules...never more than five," (150) so it is understandable if a teacher may not deem cellphone usage plausible because it would come with so many rules and restrictions, but, in my classroom, cellphone usage will not be cut off, rather conformed to work with the class, regardless of the rules that it will take to effectively implement. Some examples of the rules I may choose are:
- Cellphone usage is prohibited during quizzes, exams, independent reading, and as otherwise stated by the teacher.
- Cellphones may be used in such circumstances: for class Quizlet, Kahoot!, or as otherwise stated by the teacher.
It is important to note that only having the two rules permits me to make adjustments to whenever and however the cellphones are to be used, but also distinguishes moments of specifics when the students are definitively aware that they are or are not allowed.
"Rules must have consequences," (Wong 152) is the next step in my consideration of cellphone usage. Though there are positive consequences in most aspects, I would focus more so on the negative consequences when discussing cellphone usage in my class. These negative consequences will be precise, and posted and discussed in the class, so the students will be very aware of them. A sign will be posted labeled "Cellphone usage when not permitted will result in:"
- Strike One: You will receive a hint or direct request to put the phone away.
- Strike Two: Your phone will find itself in my desk drawer for the remainder of class.
- Strike Three: Your phone will be sent to the office for the entirety of the day.
- Multiple Offences: Your phone will be taken and a conference call, with you, to your parents about your inattention in class.
My consequences are obviously not fine tuned, but necessary in a garden where thorns are inevitable.
Some of the ideas I have for cellphone usage come from observing my current and past placements. I have been introduced to fascinating and useful apps such as Kahoot!, Quizlet, Remind, and many more. In experiencing these apps and uses, it has reintroduced the positive presence of cellphones in the class, but also made me more aware of the need for rules. My mentor teachers have had rules in place, but I imagine different rules and consequences for my future classroom.
I will continue to wonder on cellphone usage in the classroom as inhibiting the classroom management in some way, but it is pertinent to remember that "self- discipline is what discipline is all about," (Wong 157), and allowing, yet restricting cellphone access in the classroom could be a good learning point for students and us as teachers. Only experience will tell! :)
This is really well thought out. I also struggle with the idea of using cell phones within my classroom. This semester, the school I'm placed it does not allow cell phones at all, so it's not a hurdle I currently have to struggle with, but in Core II it was. The high school I was doing my field experience in allowed students to have their phones with them at all times. They would walk around in the hallways looking at them, and even sometimes be allowed to listen to music in class. For the most part, once attention needed to be paid to the teacher, the phones didn't seem to be much of a problem, but sometimes they were. To be fair, with out without cellphone, students will get distracted or complacent from time to time. I think it's something I may try with them once or twice to get comfortable with it before I allowed them the freedom to use them within the classroom more often. My only question is this: how do you personally feel about them using their phone to listen to music during independent time?
ReplyDeleteI have been challenged with cellphones since beginning Core, so it has always been at the forefront of my mind. The issue is that tendency to keep on the phone even when the teacher, or even class, is talking or having a discussion. Though there are many studies that go against students listening to music while working on homework, I don't mind it. There would, of course, be rules in place about them being on it incessantly. They may have it on and headphones in, but they will not be allowed to be scrolling on it and constantly on the phone rather than doing their work. I listen to instrumental music while I work, so I will respect their wanting to listen to music while working, as long as it does not begin to tarnish their work.
DeleteI actually had this conversation about cell phones with my MT this week! Our juniors are allowed to have their phones out on their desk because we sone times need them for class and they aren't distracted by them, but the freshman cannot stay off of them. I appreciate that you are thinking of a strike program with phones because I feel that just taking it and giving it back at the end of class only teaches them that they will get it back. Thank you for sharing and I will definitely be sharing this with my MT.
ReplyDeleteI actually had this conversation about cell phones with my MT this week! Our juniors are allowed to have their phones out on their desk because we sone times need them for class and they aren't distracted by them, but the freshman cannot stay off of them. I appreciate that you are thinking of a strike program with phones because I feel that just taking it and giving it back at the end of class only teaches them that they will get it back. Thank you for sharing and I will definitely be sharing this with my MT.
ReplyDeleteI actually hadn't considered a difference in rules by grade level! That is something that I should think on as well, thank you!
DeleteThis is really an interesting thought. You have certainly put your ideas together well. My only concern is that some students have very expensive phones. Should something happen to those phones while in my possession, I would be responsible for that. Secondly, what stops students from saying I broke their already broken phones? These are things my MT and I spoke about at the beginning of the year and the arguments she made for not taking students' phones.
ReplyDeleteRene, thanks for bringing this up ... this is a valid concern and one that teachers should carefully consider. I'm with you and your MT on this one. I don't want to be accused of damaging a student's phone, or, if it were taken from my possession, accused of losing it. I don't want that responsibility.
DeleteAs you and I spoke about before class, I would try to come to a system that prevented my liability for this. If it came to me just sending it to the office, then I would do so. It could come to a digital file where a picture of the phone is taken, the student signature recorded, or an immediate call to the parent if I have to. I don't feel as though I should just let it go and not address the situation. There is no keeping the phones permanently out of the classroom, so I would like to include them, but not to the point to where work is being hindered, so I am trying to find a way to make phone inclusion work in the classroom. That being the case, I am still trying to find a way to approach a situation where the phone and hand are glued together. I may not have the idea down pact, and I do understand the uneasiness of being held accountable, but I will continue to work on it until I find a way that will work. Thank you for bringing this possibility to my mind, it will be beneficial in how I work through determining a solution to the situation.
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