I’ve come up against an interesting issue that may be controversial. I’d appreciate some feedback so do not hesitate to reply/comment on this. The subject is babies in the classroom. After a frustrating semester, I am going to recommend to the Adult Ed. Coordinator that this practice not be allowed. But, I need your input to make my case, so please comment.
I’m a first year teacher, teaching an Adult Ed. History course. I have one student, who is a single mother with an infant, six months old. This is her first child, and she insists on bringing the child to class, claiming she cannot find a babysitter. In addition, it would give the young lady’s mother a break, since she takes care of the baby when her daughter takes her other Adult Ed. classes.
At first, I was cautious about allowing her to bring the baby to class, but then I relented. I figured the following:
a. She was the only student.
b. It would not disturb any other class, because I was the only class on that wing of the school.
c. I wanted to help the student out, “give her a break.”
d. I checked it with the Adult Ed. Coordinator who OK’d it.
It is now the end of the semester, and I have spent a very frustrating time trying to teach lessons that are constantly interrupted by the mother tending to the baby’s needs (feeding, burping, entertaining, comforting, etc.) The worst time of it is when the child cries (almost every class).
The girl has done well, considering the responsibility she has put on herself by bringing the baby to class. I have made modifications where I can; i.e. open-book quizzes and tests, working with a study guide. But, I have found that a baby in class is a tremendous distraction, even for one student. It is simply not conducive to teaching or learning.
Now, another young mother has been bringing her child (14 months old) to other classes. These classes have a number of students in them. I was made aware that this is the first time this was allowed to happen. Was this a test? For me? Or the school?
Learning my lesson, I have concluded that allowing mothers to bring babies to classes:
a. It is not conducive to the learning environment.
b. It is too much of a distraction.
c. It puts the school in a position of responsibility/risk should an accident or some unforeseen incident or medical emergency that may occur.
It seems that the excuse of not being able to find a babysitter falls on weak ground. Would it be better for the young mother to forego one night of Adult Ed. Classes, if the inability to find a babysitter is the case?
I even suspect a conspiracy to bring the baby, so that when s/he cries, fusses, and causes a disturbance, the class will be let out early. The student always asks about being let out early. Well, the young lady will note that Mr. Dumont is a hard-nose when it comes to class time. I know that teachers may value lesson time more than the students, but adding a beautiful baby to class time changes the subject.:) I spend roughly 8-10 hours on a 3 hour lesson, so my intent is to make the lesson more productive for her.So, what do you think? What have you experienced? I need your help.
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It is called ADULT education for a reason. It is to imply that the courses are not for students younger than 18. Babies shouldn't be allowed any more than someone's pet. The only way a dog is allowed is if it is a seeing-eye dog. The baby should not have ever been allowed. An occasional trip in when the baby is a newborn might be forgiven. Afterall, newborns sleep more than anything. If adult ed students are allowed to bring babies then this opens up others to ask about bringing their young children. The idea is that there shouldn't be distractions to the students or class. I've seen some adults bring their older children who then sat in the back coloring or reading. That didn't disrupt anyone, but I still wouldn't have wanted it to happen on a regular basis. I want to be able to ask questions and speak my mind in class, having a young child in attendance may make me hesitant to do so since my courses were all about school in one way or another. There should never have been an allowance to allow her to bring the baby without clear expectations about how it was going to work when things got difficult or uncomfortable.
ReplyDeleteYour loving sister!
Tammy Fisher, M.Ed.
Thank you, Tammy
ReplyDeleteHi Carl,
ReplyDeleteOur Community College System does not even allow babies or kids at work for an hour when there is a snow day. They are strict about this topic - stating liability, the environment, distractability, etc.
I would wager a guess that the mother is only hearing half of what you're saying, if that, because she is preoccupied with her baby. Her baby is her number one priority, so as the baby naturally cries, fusses and seeks attention, the mother responds and you may as well be talking to a wall. I don't mean that to sound harsh, I simply mean that I agree with you that the distractability factor for the learning environment must suffer greatly.
I attended a Plymouth State course where a mom brought in a baby. I love babies, who doesn't? But I can't tell you what the instructor said during any of the class, because I was naturally listening to the baby's coos and noises and was intensely curious on the baby.
I praise you and your staff for trying to accomodate the student, but ultimately, I am guessing many of the outcomes from your course were not met, and thus a no win situation for you or the student.
A high five to the mom for taking courses with a small baby at home, but likely counterproductive. We have many parents take our courses online for that reason. They can concentrate and do the work when their kids are sleeping. Do you offer anything online?
Personally, I think your decision and backup statements are extremely valid.
Nothing against babies :)
Thank you, Sharon. The situation was taken care of.:)
ReplyDeleteI have never heard of such a thing. As a mother of two, I began my grad program just before finding out I was pregnant and ended it just after having my second (my children are 22 months appart). None of my classmates have ever seen my children; nor would I have entertained the idea of bringing my child with me. It is certainly not easy being a new mom, but you need to weigh your priorities. I took several online courses and an independent study to keep myself at home. If the Adult Ed program wishes to accommodate students and their families, the program needs to entertain the possibilities of more online offerings.
ReplyDeleteBest of luck, Carl. Don't second guess yourself.
I see you said it's been taken care of Carl. Hope I'm not beating a dead horse, but I would just like to add that at first I was inclined to say, "do something online". But, I venture to guess she probably doesn't have a computer, or worse yet, has no idea how to use one. If she at least had computer skills, she could visit a local public library if she did not have a computer at home. There she could bring her child with her. I would drop a class if children were allowed as I too would get very distracted with their presence, especially babies. Having young children myself, many times finding sitters is a pain in the neck. I don't think it's up to the school to make the accommodations for her, (I'm kind of curious what your outcome was??), but for her to make accommodations for her responsibilities with school and such. Just thoughts.......from someone who can't stand snacks allowed in class due to the annoying crinkling of someone continuously sticking their hand in a bag of Frito's. Your feelings about the situation are definitely valid. Glad it worked out.
ReplyDeleteOk, so here goes...first...how about some community service for students at your school...is there a "baby room," where students who do not have classes might "Trade," time with those who do? In other words, watch each others children so that their children get watched when they have classes?
ReplyDeleteTwo...I once brought my 4 and 6 year old kids to class because I had NO choice if I wanted to go to college. I lived in a place where babysitters charged much more than I could afford.
Without my professors allowing this, I would not have gotten an education. However, my kids colored, wrote, and read during class and there were NO disruptions as I did not allow that. I never tried to bring a "True," baby to class...even I think that is asking too much.
But I think since the message is...go back to school and get an education...the institution should create some sort of child care on campus. That way they are not just "talking the talk," but also "walking the walk." Students need support. Not every student has the perfect situation at home.
So, that is my take...NO babies in class, but babies on campus. Good luck...you did a good thing. -alli
P.S. Where is "Old Town?" I lived in York in 2006. My brother was living in Lisbon at the time and I have a cousin in Phippsburg. Beautiful state with very kind people, one of the best states I have lived in!
ReplyDeleteCarl,
ReplyDeleteThis is an incredible story. Ditto to all who responded. Glad it was taken care of.