One of my responsibilities as a science teacher is to create an effective physical environment conducive to learning.   Due to the pervasive use of cell phones, I have come to the realization that classroom instruction cannot compete with non-related cell phone applications. Furthermore, growing evidence supports claims that cell phone use during instruction inhibits a student’s working memory. This has led me to implement a new classroom policy for this year. Students will be asked to place their cell phones into assigned pockets on a wall organizer upon entering the classroom. If a student does not have a cell phone or chooses not to place his or her cell phone into the assigned pocket, he or she will place an index card into the assigned pocket. The organizer will then be used to record attendance with all empty pockets representing students who are not currently present in class. If a student places an index card into his or her assigned pocket, but then is observed with a cell phone during class, he or she will be directed to the office, zero points will be awarded for daily participation, a referral will be written, and I will be calling home discuss the matter. It is imperative that teachers, students, administrators, and parents all work together to foster a culture of learning and I am greatly appreciative of your support.  

Please review the following article to learn more:

Jeffrey H. Kuznekoff, Stevie Munz & Scott Titsworth (2015) Mobile Phones

in the Classroom: Examining the Effects of Texting, Twitter, and Message Content on Student

Learning, Communication Education, 64:3, 344-365, DOI: 10.1080/03634523.2015.1038727

To link to this article: http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/03634523.2015.1038727