Sometimes, you just gotta say it like it is

Both classes had wake up calls today...I told my first class that many of them did way below par work on their portfolios, and no, they couldn't rewrite them...why they couldn't write them correctly the first time is the question...

The second class I chewed out because tonight, they were being fucking RUDE! I was trying to show a video clip and wasn't able to plug the sound patchcord into my computer because it was too short, and my computer isn't that loud...and there was a bunch in the back of the class yammering away...and I heard two say "What movie is this?" "Oh, I don't know. Most likely something stupid that doesn't pertain to the class anyway!" So, I stopped the movie, looked at that corner of the class and ripped into them...told them there would be questions on the exam from the movie...told them that their behavior was inexcusable...told them that if they didn't care about the movie they could get out, but I would not tolerate them making it so the other people who WANT to learn couldn't...

Then...it was the first of the group presentations...and I had a bunch of people packing up to leave! HOW FUCKING RUDE!!! I told them basically that class wasn't over, and that they would exhibit the same courtesies to the group tonight that they expected when they were presenting on Wednesday...so...the group starts presenting...and half way through...someone's cell rings...grrrrrrrrrrrr....

After the presentation was over, I got up, and I don't think that pocket in the back of the class had figured out I was grumpy yet...so, as I'm trying to tell them what we needed to do on Wednesday, they were packing up and talking. So...I stopped talking and STARED at them...and that normally works...but not tonight...so...I got their attention...

"Ya know. I'm not in the best mood right now. I'm pretty goddam GRUMPY. I want to get this information out to you, but if you don't SHUT UP back there you're all going to be in a sink or swim situation."

They shut up.

So, I told them how it would work on Wednesday, and then, I told them...."In the syllabus, it states that when you come into class you are to turn off your cell phones or set them to buzz. I haven't enforced that often this semester, because I figure I can deal with you being rude to me. But, on Wednesday, they will be TURNED OFF. No if, and's, or buts about it. If a cell rings on Wednesday at any time, it will be noted on your eval sheet and I will take points off. So--keep the things in your car or your locker or turn the damn things off because I WILL NOT TOLERATE YOUR RUDE BEHAVIOR TO YOUR CLASSMATES WHEN THEY ARE UP HERE DOING THEIR PRESENTATIONS.

"And, if you have a problem with that, you can take it up with the dean."

So....anyway...I'm a bit grumpy at the moment. grrrr.