A Happy and Engaged Class Without Cell Phones? It’s Easier Than You Think

Abstract

Although there have been many suggestions for incorporating cell phone use into classroom activities, there have been few suggestions for removing cell phone use from the classroom. This article presents an easy-to-implement method using positive reinforcement that effectively removes cell phones from the classroom in a way that is highly endorsed by students and that greatly fosters student engagement, class participation, and a focused and respectful classroom atmosphere. In a quasi-experiment, we found significant correlations between giving up cell phones and students’ test grades, overall grade point average (GPA), semester’s GPA, and attendance. Rate of improvement of higher and lower participators suggested that better students were more likely to give up their cell phones to earn an extra point toward their final course grade.

Students’ Perception of Cell Phones in the Classroom

“…While prior research has documented the correlation between cellphones in class and lower course grades (Katz & Lambert, 2016), this study showed that not having cellphones in class benefits class climate, enjoyment, and respectfulness toward the instructor. These qualities all lead to a more beneficial learning environment that allows the student to engage with other classmates and the instructor.…”

“…These findings add to the growing body of research that having cellphones in class reduces learning and leads to lower grades (Katz & Lambert, 2016& Gingerich & Lineweaver, 2014. While prior research has documented the correlation between cellphones in class and lower course grades (Katz & Lambert, 2016), this study showed that not having cellphones in class benefits class climate, enjoyment, and respectfulness toward the instructor.…”

“…Psychologists have repeatedly stated that punishment is not effective in encouraging desired behaviors (Katz & Lambert, 2016). In addition, merely stating in a syllabus that the use of cellphones is not permitted can cause the use of the phone to undermine the instructor during the course of the year (McDonald, 2013).…”

“…One of the drawbacks of their study was that student perceptions of not having a cellphone in the class were not evaluated. While the assumption is that students always want their phone, research has not been clear whether this is accurate or not (Katz & Lambert, 2016;Gardiner, 2016;Berry & Westfall, 2015). There is very little doubt that cellphones are distracting and the growing body of literature suggests that cellphones lower test scores, but what do the students consider?…”

“…Faculty argue that phones are needed in class for activities to prepare for their future profession and to become competent in an ever-changing technology-driven world (Katz & Lambert, 2016). In addition, phones and tablets can help students organize notes, help with math problems, and reduce the need for heavy paper texts.…”