Do you answer the phone while in class? - Ajarn Forum

AJ · 28th February 2007, 10:56

It's always the same, people keep calling me in the morning, just after 9 a.m., while I'm teaching my first class. The kids in my lively Prathom class pointing at my pocket, while the Thai teacher is sitting half asleep at her desk... Should I answer my mobile phone? I'm reluctant to do so. Is it professional to answer the phone in the middle of a class?

zehner · 28th February 2007, 10:58

Quote:

Originally Posted by AJ

Is it professional to answer the phone in the middle of a class?

no. it sets the wrong example

laoshi · 28th February 2007, 10:59

Put it on silent and call back when you have free time. Always lead by example...

defender · 28th February 2007, 11:00

If it's possibly a call I don't want to miss I just excuse myself for a minute and step outside. I'll ask the kids to do something for a minute or two, I guess it's a bit harder with prathom kids though. I don't feel comfortable answering in class although I certainly will in adult/corporate classes because despite my protestations I have found that nearly all Thai students will answer the phone in class - even in one-on-ones!

AJ · 28th February 2007, 11:04

Quote:

Originally Posted by zehner

no. it sets the wrong example

Right decision(s), then.

Unwell · 28th February 2007, 11:13

Quote:

Originally Posted by AJ

Is it professional to answer the phone in the middle of a class?

in my opinion, not professional at all.

my phone stays locked up in my desk drawer when i'm teaching; i never take it into class. why would i? i'm working.

mig · 28th February 2007, 11:13

They can be turned off!

been there done that · 28th February 2007, 11:26

depends on who's calling

AJ · 28th February 2007, 11:31

Quote:

Originally Posted by been there done that

depends on who's calling

Usually numbers I don't know. Job offers, possibly. I don't always call back, cause the calls might be from far away places. If the numbers ain't in my phonebook, then why call back...

8ball · 28th February 2007, 11:34

Phone on vibration,,,, school and corporate,,,,,,,,,no probs

check who's calling

important call,,,,, I take it,,, no sweat,,,,,keep it brief

kids in my school aren't allowed mobiles

corporate work,,,,,, they answer their phones,,,, no probs from me

everyone,,, all adults,,,,, have got important shit going on

that's the real world,,,,teach around it

of course don't take any superfluous calls

like from the ho u banged the night b4

Cheers chaps

Reg Young · 28th February 2007, 11:35

I think it quite unprofessional. The example of it is mostly lost, however. I expect students to excuse themselves from class if they feel they must take a call.

I keep my phone on the desk, on silent, so I can see missed calls as I pass by (since I never sit at the thing). If it's someone important, I'll step out to call them back, though 99% of the time it's just my boss.
- Reg

AJ · 28th February 2007, 11:37

Quote:

Originally Posted by 8ball

check who's calling

important call,,,,, I take it,,, no sweat,,,,,keep it brief

Usually unknown numbers. (Not in my phonebook.) Therefore I usually don't call back either. Important - dunno.

Did I occasionally miss the opportunity to meet a businessman in Nigeria, giving me 10 million bucks as a gift - maybe...

bewildered wanderer · 28th February 2007, 11:38

Depends on who is calling. 95% of the time it is not important. If your superior allows it, then it's okay.

Unwell · 28th February 2007, 11:38

why not...and this is a bit of a shocker...but why not, take care of your calls after you finish working?

i.e. after you leave the classroom.

defender · 28th February 2007, 11:42

Quote:

Originally Posted by Unwell

my phone stays locked up in my desk drawer when i'm teaching; i never take it into class. why would i? i'm working.

I don't wear a watch and our classes don't have clocks. Phone's better for telling the time as I've found kids can't be trusted. Whenever you ask the kids the time it's always two minutes 'til the end of class!