Electronic Devices in Class
Found in: Coaches, Studio Policies
Susan F., California
I would like to know what fellow teachers think about the following:
Due to a growing phenomenon, I am seriously considering requiring all parents (and students) to please turn off their electronics devises while in the classroom. The continued use of cell phones for e-mailing and texting results in parents constantly having their heads down appearing uninterested in what is going on in class. It’s really starting to irritate me, but more importantly I think it undermines the main purpose of having the parent in class to begin with; which is to create a 3-way partnership between teacher, student and parent. Simply Music requires a parent’s presence in class, precisely because it sends a message that music class is important and therefore worth the time and attention of all who are participating.
I know some parents will not be pleased if I make it a policy to turn off their phones, (not that that would stop me from doing it). Is it a reasonable request? Is using a cell phone to text /e-mail any different than a parent reading a book or magazine in class? Are there any other teachers who have addressed this issue?
Any feedback would be greatly appreciated! 🙂
Cindy B., Illinois
I have put a sign on my studio door stating “Please turn off cell phones” and have only had friction from one family. (said family being a continuing source of teacher training!)
Kristina H., Australia
Electronic devises in class are certainly an interruption, and can become an issue with other students. I learnt very quickly how a student answering text messages during class time can really put out your timing, and annoy other students. I put a note in my Studio Policies and Procedures, and of course I go over this in the Foundation session and it does not hurt to just mention it occasionally.
It reads like this “Please no food, drink, gum or mobile phones during lesson time. Please be mindful of others using the keyboard after you, no sticky or dirty hands.”
These seem to be general requests you can see in stores, dance studios, classes, school and other places. I think they are fairly widely accepted. I call it electronic device etiquette.
Being the new year, it is a great time to just give a copy of your new policies and procedures. I find that setting up my expectations alleviates the problem in the future. I think that most people do not even realise that it is an interruption until alerted to the fact.