When Nova Scotia schools reopened their doors this September, a big change was about to take place.
No cellphones.
We are now about one week in, since classes began, and already teachers have noticed a positive difference, according to Nova Scotia Teachers Union President, Peter Day.
Day tells our newsroom members are cautiously optimistic.
“You know, teachers are reporting to me that engagement is up in their classroom. They have students who don’t have the earbuds stuck in or that they’re staring at a phone in their lap instead of paying attention or being part of a lesson that’s being presented.”
Day adds, this feedback from teachers has been consistent all over the province from Grade six through 12.
“But the teacher that I spoke to from grade six, she was quite happy with this year, as far as not having to deal with this at all, which gives them the opportunity to focus on teaching and the students can focus on learning.”
Students handling it well
Overall, the new policy appears to be going over well for everybody.
Day says it seems to be a welcome addition and perhaps kids truly want to make connections in the classroom.
“Not having that cellphone in front of them constantly buzzing or dinging, reminding them of something else that gives them the opportunity to be in the class and in the moment and take part, take an active, engaged part in the lesson.”
Day adds that besides the occasional warning to put phones away, he’s not aware at this point of any harsher punishments.
Moving forward
In order for this policy to work, Day tells us, everyone needs to support it.
He says that involves students, teachers, parents, principals, administration and all the way up to the education minister.
“I hope it’s not just a honeymoon phase. I hope that it becomes a welcome part of our school culture.”
