Teachers and staff across Farmington High School (FHS) have noticed a rising wave of distraction: smartphones. A constant companion to today’s students, smartphones allow us to have the world at our fingertips, but with great power comes great responsibility and the temptation to be on one’s phone during class is just too much for many students. Recognizing the need for a more focused learning environment, many teachers have begun implementing the use of phone hotels — pockets in classrooms for students to put their phones in during class time.
Mrs. Landheer, a wellness teacher here at FHS, shared insights into the positive impact she has witnessed since the establishment of phone hotels.
“I believe that students want to be engaged in their classes, but the draw to their personal devices is strong.When a teacher takes away the temptation, it alleviates the inner conflict that so many students have regarding whether they should look at the notification or answer a text during class,” Landheer said.
Recognizing the various challenges students face when first asked to put their phones in the hotel; Landheer prioritized open discussions about why the phone hotel is used. This fostered a more connected, understanding learning environment in the classroom.
“Knowing the benefits behind the phone hotel helps alleviate the stress of being away from their phone. I found that students are mostly respectful and don’t have any problems putting their phones in the hotel during class,” Landheer added.
Phone hotels have not only shifted the dynamics of student engagement, but have also successfully reduced distractions in the classroom.
According to a study performed by Kent State University, “Students who have lower access to phones during school hours have significantly higher GPA’s compared to students who have higher access.”
This shift in focus has been noticed not just in academic performance, but also in the overall atmosphere of the classroom. With fewer phones in sight, both students and teachers are experiencing a more attentive learning environment.
“They create a calmer lesson where everyone can be more focused. Not only do cell phones distract students, they also distract teachers,” Landheer elaborated.
FHS Principal Mr. Crist also weighed in on how phone hotels not only help minimize distractions in the classroom, but can support and encourage more positive social interactions.
“Fewer distractions created by devices will allow for students to concentrate on academics and encourage them to exhibit appropriate face-to-face interactions with peers and the adults in the building,” Crist stated.
Studies have shown that physical separation from phones significantly benefits student performance.
Landheer also revealed her hopes of what students can learn from utilizing phone hotels, and what they can take away from them.
“I hope students can transfer this practice to their personal lives when they are completing homework. If they do, chances are their work will be accomplished in a shorter time frame, so they have discretionary time to partake in other hobbies,” Landheer added.
Ultimately, the rise in the use of phone hotels at FHS reflects the efforts being taken to navigate the challenges presented by smartphones. Through open communication and strategic implementation, the school has successfully created a more collaborative and engaging learning environment for students and teachers.
