I would echo this. So, instead of a zero, I might take points off (10-15%) from the individual iRAT and the T-RAT. While I still battle the noise problem, I decided to mention the cell issue and ask them to put it away, but not to stress over it. Maybe it's because we're a community college or my students don't buy ebooks, but I monitored the teams where one or more members had a cell phone out between assessments and saw no major differences in scores. They still missed the same number of items (usually between 2 and 6) along with that, the items they missed matched the items the class as a whole missed. If I ever notice a team getting them all right on the first shot when the team members individually missed several then I'll get more strict. I guess what I'm saying is that "rapid thumb movement with communication devices by individual team members, does not appear to increase performance on the TRAT's." ;o) On Fri, Sep 20, 2013 at 3:03 PM, David Raeker-Jordan < [log in to unmask]> wrote: > I agree with Jim. Decide what kind of repercussion you are comfortable > with, then make sure you follow through on whatever threat you make. Once > they know you are serious, the problem will most likely disappear. > > ----------------- > David Raeker-Jordan > Legal Methods Professor > Widener University School of Law > Harrisburg, PA > 717.541.1996 > > > > On Fri, Sep 20, 2013 at 3:42 PM, Spaulding, Kristina N <[log in to unmask]>wrote: > >> Good afternoon, >> >> I am having some issues with talking and cell phone/electronic device >> use during RATs. I teach large classes (70 and 200 students), so >> management has become an issue. These are the specific issues I'm having: >> >> 1) Talking and electronic device use by students who have finished >> the iRAT while other students are still completing their iRATs. >> >> 2) Electronic device use during tRATs. >> >> Number One bothers me because students could be looking up answers on >> their devices, but also because the talking interferes with the ability of >> the remaining students to finish their iRATs. If most of the class is done >> it can get quite loud. No matter how many times I ask them to be quiet, >> this continues to be an issue. I don't have this problem at any other time >> during class (for example, during class discussions or when I lecture). >> >> Students are also using their electronic devices during tRATs. In most >> cases, I think they are texting or goofing off, but obviously, in large >> classes like this, it's impossible to tell. I have told them not to talk >> and to put their devices away, but they do it anyway. In my 70 person >> class, between my TA and I, we can keep a fairly good handle on it, by >> asking students to put away their device if we see them using it, but in a >> class of 200 this is impossible. I'm considering implementing some kind of >> punishment - for example, students caught using devices before the end of >> the tRAT will receive a zero, or even the whole team will receive a zero, >> but I also feel this may be too harsh. How have others handled this >> problem? >> >> Best, >> >> Kristina >> >> _________________________________________ >> >> Kristina N. Spaulding >> >> Doctoral candidate >> >> Gallup lab >> >> Department of Psychology >> >> University at Albany >> >> HU B68-E >> >> 442-4786 >> >> OH: Tue 12:00 PM - 1:30 PM >> >> Fri 1:00 - 2:30 >> >> >> >> > -- Herb Coleman, Ph.D Dir. Instructional Computing and Technology Adjunct Professor of Psychology Austin Community College Highland Business Center 5930 Middle Fiskville Rd. Austin, TX 78752 [log in to unmask] 512-223-7746 ******************************************************************************** Saruman believes it is only great power that can hold evil in check, but that is not what I have found. I found it is the small everyday deeds of ordinary folk that keep the darkness at bay. Small acts of kindness and love. — Gandalf the Grey from the 2012 motion picture "The Hobbit" *********************************************************************************