Saturday, December 5, 2009

Voicethread

Hi guys
I posted a voice thread on cursing in the classroom. Here is the link. It is pretty short. Let me know what you think.

voicethread.com/share/785618/

2 comments:

  1. Hi Nicky,
    Some high school students think it is cool to use vulgar language, others hear it working in a restaurant or at football practice and think it is acceptable, and some hear it all the time at home. I have also had problems with students making inappropriate sexual comments to one another, and often they do not understand that people are sued for sexual harassment, punitive damages, verbal assault, etc. every single day in our courts.

    The only solution is to have a policy in place and keep records of the infractions. I give a warning the first time, and the second time I contact their parents. While it may seem vulgar to write out the words the student said, it will have a much greater impact. Most parents will help “remind” the student to use appropriate language at school, but there are parents who could care less about bad language. For these kids you have to write an administrative referral after the next offense. Again, you have to write out the exact words that the student said for maximum impact and mention the previous warnings and parent contact. It seems like a lot of extra work to keep records of bad language and other minor infractions, and it is, but it is worth it to get the students to understand. Maybe you could start 2010 with your classes by saying you made a New Years resolution that you would help the students clean up their language. If you make your policy clear, maybe make a contract, and enforce it consistently, you will help your students to change their poor habits.
    Rob

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  2. Nicky~
    I'm right there with you!!! This will always be a battle since they are trying to assert their independence and be "cool" in front of their peers. All high school teachers, battle this, I feel, at one time or another.
    ~Michele

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