Over time, rules and regulations change, expectations are altered and standards are reevaluated. Classroom etiquette and changing standards of behavior are one subject that has become controversial among students and professors.
The meaning of etiquette in the classroom at Towson University has been analyzed recently in regards to its meaning and how it is to be applied within the University.
"I was blown away with what students believed was acceptable to do in the classroom," Barry Evans, outreach specialists for enrollment management in academic affairs, said.
Evans was involved in a pilot program that looked at the development of orientation for incoming students. The program was made up solely of freshmen.
"It was challenging to my thoughts about classroom protocol that they thought it was OK to text message in class, get up during class and answer the phone and come to class whenever they get there," Evans said. "I think something has happened within the fabric of schools."
Evans related classroom behavior to outside activities stating, "You would sit through a movie; how is it different?"
Different professors take varying approaches when enforcing behavior policies. While some do not mind when their students nap through class, others make it a point to let their expectations known.
"I like students and I've always had a good relationship with students and I think that's because they know I'm consistent. I have rules and I expect them to be followed," Richard Vatz, professor of mass communication and communication studies, said.
The long-time Towson professor will call out to students who get up to leave during class and even jokingly lists on his syllabus that breaking rules results in "death."
According to Evans, somehow the information regarding proper classroom protocol needs to be shared with students, and it's not getting to them.
According to sophomore Katie Young, it is not that big of a deal for students to be text messaging in class as long as they use common courtesy.
"I think for the most part people are respectful. I think it becomes a problem when people are being blatantly disrespectful," Young said.
Vatz said that he practices the standard "that rules are made to be followed and if they are not followed, there is a price to be paid."
"I think some teachers who have floating rules that people can just violate them 'willy nilly.' I think they hurt their classes because the students are always looking for more rules to violate," Vatz said.
According to Young, it shouldn't be that strict. "Honestly, everyone texts and people are going to do it anyway," Young said. "I think professors should keep doing their jobs.
People make it harder for themselves and they wont get as much out of their educational experience if they're showing up late or texting."
An international student from Turkey was thoroughly appalled at how American students don't value the opportunity of being educated, according to Evans.
Evans spoke with the students who said in their country it's an unbelievable opportunity and people who have the chance to be educated cherish it.
The student was amazed to watch the number of students that don't put forth the effort to reap the benefits of their education, according to Evans.
For a class to work you have to have mutual respect.
Professors have to respect students and in turn students have to respect the professors, according to Vatz.
"Put yourself in the shoes of the person in the front of the room," Evans said.
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