Disruptive Student Behavior
The disruptive behavior of students in the classroom can set the tone of the classroom. Disruptive behavior can include entering the classroom late, talking during lecture and cell phones going off. Although students are told that cell phones must be turned off during class, it never fails that someone will forget to turn off their cell phone. For some reason, students chose the most obnoxious cell ring tones that get everyone's attention.
The behavior of a couple of students has caused the tone of the class to change traumatically. Their late entry, which includes finding seats, going through book bags, and getting their course materials ready causes irritation among the other students. They talk to each other during lecture like it is acceptable behavior. I eyeball them directly and asked them to be quiet during lecture.
Of course they miss a concept because of talking or being late, and expect me to catch them up.
They even expect me to carry around extra copies of handouts that were given out in class. My response has been to let them know that it is not my job to catch them up on information that they have missed. The responsibility for getting to class on time should be that of the student.
I guess things have changed since I was an undergraduate years ago. I would not dream of being late to class because it sends the message to the instructor that I am not serious about my education. It shows a lack of commitment that will probably translate into being an employee that is habitually late for work. Being respectful to the instructor and the other students in class by not talking during lectures is just something that should come naturally.
Maybe, it's a generational thing. I am so much older than most of the students in my class. However, courtesy and respect for others never goes out of style.