Case
Not disruptive, but not attentive. Cellphones in classrooms.

You have students in your classroom who are not behavioral issues or sleepers, but they are not attentive to the lesson. The student would rather play on their cellphone or text friends then get engaged. How would you address this issue without turning the issue into a confrontational conversation? Is it worth addressing this student at the expense of losing the rest of the class?

Posted on: 03/02/21 | Views: 571
Solution #1
Top Solution
I would make it a classroom policy that cell phones are not allowed. If the student still doesn't comply, you could incorporate lessons using an app so that the students can use their phones while also being involved in the lesson.

I think the app solution is a good idea! My goal is to incorporate technology into my classroom to help increase attention.

I would do this if I were in this situation; it seems like a great way to still get students engaged.

I think If you use of an app is great. I think the problem will still continue if they still decide to use their phone for something else. I would just have the cell phone band from the classroom.

I also think the app is a great way to get students engaged by the use of technology. But I still think the cell phones could be a problem when app is not used for a lesson.

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Solution #2
I would create an exercise or activity that required everyone to stand up and do something every time I saw a student on their phone. You might think that you will loose class time over this, but not if you make it subject related. (Like Have-You-Ever history edition.) Then your students will put down their devices, and re-engage with you.
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Solution #3
I think I would remind students that having phones out during class is not allowed but I can allow maybe a five or so minute break during class to let them decompress. I feel like I would do my best to understand that sometimes kids need to check their phone in case something happened at home. Of course, sitting in class playing games would be a problem so would definitely give them maybe a "3 strike, you're out" rule. They have 3 chances to keep their phones put away during lecture and if they fail to listen, then they lose phone break privileges completely.
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Solution #4
I would say that cell phones had to be put away during lessons. I also would try to include content that they can relate to so that they can have their interest sparked while learning something that needs to be focused on in class.
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Solution #5
I might add this to the classroom expectations, but make sure to ask for student input first. It may be a good idea to change your teaching style and incorporate more hands on activities that engage learners so that they don't have time to use their phones. Another option could be to incorporate technology pieces into the lesson, where they play interactive games like, Kahoot or Nearpod, so that you keep all learners engaged throughout the lesson.
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Solution #6
I would make a policy that phones are not allowed in the classroom, unless they are being used for an activity. With that being said, I would try to make lessons or classroom quizzes that the students can use their phones for. I think this would help them to be engaged and not get bored.
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Solution #7
I would make a policy that cell phone use in the classroom is not permitted. I would send home a letter first day of class, requiring parent signature, to let parents know their child may not use a cell phone during class time and all students will be required to place phones in a secure/designated spot of my choice in the class during class time. I plan to have a "calculator caddy" placed in my classroom (somewhere I can see it at all times) with designated caddy spots for each student. Students will place their cell phones in the caddy first thing as they walk into the classroom.

I understand wanting to maintain phone usage. However, this generation is very different and I believe that adapting a lesson to included technology would encourage students that their phone is not just for play, but that they can learn valuable information from it.

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Solution #8
I think that the new generation is really submerged in their phones which is good and bad. But i think that with those students incorporating technology in your lesson would be a great idea for extended learning. Students are use to having their phones not allowed, but i think it can be a valuable tool for them and learn how technology can advance a lesson.
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Solution #9
It is important to set the standard with students that phones should be kept away during lectures to ensure full engagement. However, allowing some phone time either as a break in the middle of class or as a rest time toward the end of class will give them some down time to use their phones and take a break. I think this will significantly drop the amount of phone usage during lectures.
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Solution #10
Students should be taught that cell phones are not allowed in the classroom on the first day. Teachers should immediately tell the students to put their phones away if they are out. If they have to be told again, whatever classroom rules are in place for breaking a rule twice should be enforced.
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Solution #11
It is always a good idea to remind students about the classroom rules and expectations. If cellphones are not allowed in the classroom, I would remind my students of that and also go over possible consequences of bringing them out if it becomes a problem.
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Solution #12
I would go over our classroom rules and procedures to remind students that cellphones are not allowed out unless we are working together using an app such as Kahoot or Plickers.
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Solution #13
I actually do have this issue in my classroom. Firstly, it is important to be proactive by establishing a classroom rule or policy in which students are not allowed to use their cell phones during instruction unless permitted and planning engaging lessons. However, this is obviously not guaranteed to be perfectly effective, as there will be students who disobey anyways. I think having students use their cellphones to complete an assignment does help to some extent as well, but not without constant monitoring to ensure students are actually on task. With that being said, I would also implement a couple of other solutions, the first one being to call on students who are disengaged. Secondly, rather than risking losing the rest of the class, I would utilize a positive behavior plan in which students are rewarded for time spent on task instead of on their cellphone.

I like how you gave multiple solutions to the problem.

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Solution #14
Rather than addressing only a few of them, set those expectations quick towards all of the classroom. Maybe after they do their work and listen to the lesson- they can go on their phones as a reward.
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Solution #15
There are a few ways that can solve this situation. You can have classroom policies set. You can also encourage cellphone use in order to do research on a specific topic. If this does not presume to be progressive in correlation to their grades then I would suggest sitting with the students and addressing the situation. If it continues and they are not following the policies out in place then I would contact the principle and parents and go from there.
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Solution #16
Speak to the students individually to reduce the chance of embarrassing them. Politely make it clear to them that cell phone use is not allowed in class. If the students persist in breaking this rule then you will be forced to begin instituting consequences.
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Solution #17
First, I would start out by going over your classroom policies and if cell phones are allowed or not. I would recommend having a no cell phone policy in your classroom though. If you want all students to be engaged, then there should be no cell phones. Cell phones just cause a major distraction for everybody!
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Solution #18
Taking away the distraction is a possibility. Make it something they work up to as a reward. Making it a policy but them giving the students phone time can be helpful insensitive
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Solution #19
In the classroom there should be some sort of policy surrounding phones and phone usage. It should be as much or as little as your specific needs require, and whether there is time you permit for them to have it. Otherwise, anything outside of what has been allowed needs to be consistently enforced and any punishments should be followed through on.
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Solution #20
Depending on the grade level of your students, I would initiate a "no cell phone" policy immediately. I understand that there are emergencies and students need to be able to get in touch with their parents, but it is important that the students are attentive.
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Solution #21
My solution would be to call on the student to answer the next problem, or to ask them to explain their understanding of the concept. That way, they are not being called on due to their lack of focus. This may cause embarrassment, and instead you are just calling on them to engage in the lesson.
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Solution #22
I would make it a requirement to bring the cellphones up in the beginning of class and place them in numbered packets so each student would know which one was theirs at the end of class to retrieve. This reduces chances of students feeling singled out and ensures that no one is distracted from class by being on their phone.
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Solution #23
I would first remind this student that having their cell phone in class is against the rules, as they should know. I will then tell them that for every time I catch them on their phone from now on I will deduct 2 points from their participation grade, and I will do so without telling them in front of the class every time.(so as not to stop the class for every instance)
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