Latest news with #learningenvironment
The Guardian
3 days ago
- General
- The Guardian
Smartphone bans in Dutch schools have improved learning, study finds
Bans on smartphones in Dutch schools have improved the learning environment despite initial protests, according to a study commissioned by the government of the Netherlands. National guidelines, introduced in January 2024, recommend banning smartphones from classrooms and almost all schools have complied. Close to two-thirds of secondary schools ask pupils to leave their phones at home or put them in lockers, while phones are given in at the start of a lesson at one in five. Researchers surveyed 317 secondary school leaders, 313 primary schools and conducted 12 focus groups with teachers, teaching assistants, students and parents. Secondary schools reported that children found it easier to concentrate (75%), the social environment was better (59%) and some said results had improved (28%). Dr Alexander Krepel, a researcher at the Kohnstamm Instituut, said interactions between pupils had improved the most. 'It's not possible to secretly take a picture of someone in the classroom and then spread it in a WhatsApp group, so there's an increase in social safety,' he said. 'Especially in the breaks between the lessons, students would be on their phones and now they're forced to talk … Maybe they also get into a fight a bit more often but schools, teachers and students are quite happy with how the atmosphere is better.' Initial fears surrounding the ban proved unfounded, according to Freya Sixma, spokesperson for the VO-raad secondary education council, which represents schools and governing boards. 'There was quite a lot of protest at first from schools, teachers, students, parents, questions about how it would all work,' she said. 'But now you see that actually everyone is pretty happy.' The study showed in special schools, where exceptions can be given for learning support devices, about half reported that the ban had had a positive or very positive effect. In primary schools, smartphones did not have a huge effect before the ban, but a quarter were positive about it. Mariëlle Paul, the minister for primary and secondary education, said the national guideline helped classroom discipline. 'Teachers and school leaders indicated that if an individual teacher wanted to ban the mobile from his or her class it would always be a discussion,' she said. 'More inexperienced teachers would have difficulties enforcing that.' MPs could take a lesson from the results, too, Paul added. 'Even we as adults should admit that whatever is going on, the apps, WhatsApp, Snapchat or Instagram have a form of addictiveness. We once tried to do it for a debate on education … but that was pretty difficult.' Sign up to This is Europe The most pressing stories and debates for Europeans – from identity to economics to the environment after newsletter promotion Statistics Netherlands reports that 96% of children go online almost every day, mostly through their phones. Last month, the caretaker government advised parents to ban social media for under-15s and limit screen time, while one MP has proposed a total ban on smartphones in schools.
The Guardian
3 days ago
- Politics
- The Guardian
Dutch schools' phone ban has improved learning, study finds
Bans on smartphones in Dutch schools have improved the learning environment despite initial protests, according to a study commissioned by the government of the Netherlands. National guidelines, introduced in January 2024, recommend banning smartphones from classrooms and almost all schools have complied. Close to two-thirds of secondary schools ask pupils to leave their phones at home or put them in lockers, while phones are given in at the start of a lesson at one in five. Researchers surveyed 317 secondary school leaders, 313 primary schools and conducted 12 focus groups with teachers, teaching assistants, students and parents. Secondary schools reported children found it easier to concentrate (75%), the social environment was better (59%) and some said results had improved (28%). Dr Alexander Krepel, a researcher at the Kohnstamm Instituut, said interactions between pupils had improved the most. 'It's not possible to secretly take a picture of someone in the classroom and then spread it in a WhatsApp group, so there's an increase in social safety,' he said. 'Especially in the breaks between the lessons, students would be on their phones and now they're forced to talk … Maybe they also get into a fight a bit more often but schools, teachers and students are quite happy with how the atmosphere is better.' Initial fears surrounding the ban proved unfounded, according to Freya Sixma, spokesperson for the VO-raad secondary education council, which represents schools and governing boards. 'There was quite a lot of protest at first from schools, teachers, students, parents, questions about how it would all work,' she said. 'But now you see that actually everyone is pretty happy.' The study showed in special schools, where exceptions can be given for learning support devices, about half reported that the ban had a positive or very positive effect. In primary schools, smartphones did not have a huge effect before the ban, but a quarter were positive about it. Mariëlle Paul, the minister for primary and secondary education, said the national guideline helped classroom discipline. 'Teachers and school leaders indicated that if an individual teacher wanted to ban the mobile from his or her class it would always be a discussion,' she said. 'More inexperienced teachers would have difficulties enforcing that.' MPs could take a lesson from the results too, Paul added. 'Even we as adults should admit that whatever is going on, the apps, WhatsApp, Snapchat or Instagram have a form of addictiveness. We once tried to do it for a debate on education ... but that was pretty difficult.' Statistics Netherlands reports 96% of children go online almost every day, mostly through their phones. Last month, the caretaker government advised parents to ban social media for the under-15s and limit screen time, while one MP has proposed a total ban on smartphones in schools. Sign up to This is Europe The most pressing stories and debates for Europeans – from identity to economics to the environment after newsletter promotion
Zawya
20-05-2025
- Health
- Zawya
Hamdan Foundation highlights its educational initiatives at the "University Gateway Forum" at Zayed Educational Complex
Dubai, UAE: Hamdan Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Foundation for Medical and Educational Sciences took part in the "University Gateway Forum" organized by the Zayed Educational Complex in Al Barsha, Dubai. The forum, held as part of its inaugural edition for the 2024–2025 academic year, falls under the umbrella of the "Year of Community" initiatives. Her Excellency Khawla Ahmed Bahlooq, Assistant Executive Director of the Excellence Sector commented: 'Our participation in this forum reflects the Foundation's ongoing commitment to supporting educational excellence and promoting a culture of achievement among students. We aimed to showcase several of our educational initiatives that contribute to developing the learning environment and aligning with the aspirations of the next generation. We also believe that enhancing the quality of education begins by fostering dialogue between students and higher education institutions. Hamdan Foundation remains a key partner in national efforts to advance sustainable learning and enrich excellence-driven educational settings.' The Foundation aimed to spotlight its activities in the field of educational excellence and present its programs designed to support the learning environment at both local and regional levels. This participation is part of the Foundation's broader efforts to build strategic partnerships with stakeholders in the education sector and to promote core educational values within society. Targeting Grade 12 students, the forum brought together representatives from various universities and academic institutions across the UAE in the complex's lecture hall. The event provided an open platform for students to engage with experts and explore academic pathways and future specializations. The forum witnessed broad participation from educational and academic institutions, serving as a platform for dialogue and knowledge exchange. Through interactive sessions, participants presented their initiatives and discussed potential avenues for collaboration in advancing higher education pathways..
