Some Issues for Discussion
A syllabus policy against texting that
is not explicitly enforced is inadequate
to stop classroom texting.
 In larger classes, perhaps 20-30% of
students will text in class without a
regularly enforced policy.

Do not solve the problem by turning
the class into an entertainment center.
 Do not expect a transformation in the
culture that will solve the problem for
you.
 To stop texting in your class, you
must make a policy and enforce it.


Teacher reaction to texting should not focus
on the lack of respect to the teacher but the
negative impact to the learning environment
and students’ reflective ability. Don’t expect
all students to agree.
Fact:
Switch cost: Each time we resume an activity,
our brains need to “recontextualize.”
◦
20-40% efficiency is lost.
(“Media multitaskers pay mental price,” Stanford
Report, August 24, 2009)
Fact:
Diffusion of mental resources: the greater the
number of tasks, the greater the number of
errors we make in completing those tasks.
Fact:
Assessment bias: Humans almost always
overestimate their performance on most
tasks.

Some students may regard tough
enforcement of a texting policy as a personal
violation. However, most students in the
class will support a tough policy if it is
enforced seriously but without a reactionary
attitude.



After explaining your policy, you must
enforce it.
Periodically remind students of it,
encouraging positive behavior.
Do not overlook exceptions but stick to the
policy or texting will creep back in (week 3,
week 8, week 13).

Explain that watches are to be used to
check time, not cell phones.

On the second class session, have the
students sign a “class covenant” in
which your texting policy is
summarized. They know it is tough.
They agree explicitly to the policy and
consequences.

The use of cell phones and text messaging is not
permitted in class at any time. If you want to
know the time during class, please wear a watch.
Cell phones should be turned off and put away
before class begins. If the instructor sees a
student using a cell phone during class, the
instructor will stop the class and ask the student
to place the cell phone on the instructor’s desk.
The student may either place the cell phone on
the desk or leave for the remainder of the class
session. The instructor will deduct 15 points
from the attendance and participation part of the
student’s grade for each incident of cell phone
use.

"Please turn off your cell phones during class;
do not text during class."