In a time of ChatGPT and social media, we often overlook some of the older and still reliable methods of teaching, such as using pens and paper in class, which is the classic way for teachers to get to know their students better. Sounds contradictory?
From my experience of lecturing since 2016 in Thai higher education institutions and researching the topic, the best way to teach in 2023 is still optimising classroom management at all levels. Classroom management includes using the available resources better, scheduling classes and managing class sizes so teachers can get to know their students. Students often have many distractions around them and have not yet learned how to handle the information or social demands. Problems with student stress, mental health, competence, learning and so on often stem from poor use of technology.
Removing electronics from students in classroom teaching helps brings focus to the class, it makes students think, communicate and engage more with the material presented. There are fewer distractions from social media and the many other things students use their notebooks, tablets or phones in class. Look at security footage of a class, especially if the camera is in the back of the classroom, about 50% or more, of a student's time, is not in the class. And that is if the student is engaged, and the lecturer walks around the class and asks questions. In my time at three universities in Thailand, I have seen students unaware of the lecturer's presence.
Removing electronics from students in classrooms makes the learning process more efficient. Course material can be placed on the online classroom repository so students have the material before and after the class. The classroom becomes a place for discussion and interaction. This is difficult, especially in Thailand, but without distractions and a blank paper in front of them, students are pushed to perform.
In tandem with removing electronics from the classroom, reducing class sizes and times should also be a priority. This way, lecturers spend time getting to know their student's abilities. I know how my students write because I try to spend at least five minutes with each one every two weeks. Our conversations tell me if they use an essay mill or software. A good sign of cheating is students who cannot explain their thinking and writing. I have caught a few by comparing a sample of their in-class writing with at-home essays. More work for the lecturer hence smaller classes is needed. Many Thai universities use a continuous three-hour class slot. I often use the last third of my class just to talk with the students about their work individually.
There is a lot we can emulate from the Waldorf Schools' screen-free approach. The research shows schools that manage electronics usage get better grades, report fewer mental health issues, have socially aware students and produce better communicators. Students at screen-limiting schools can recognise and use opportunities better. Before things get much worse, we as educators (parents and other stakeholders) need to be more active in promoting managed electronic usage in classrooms and teaching. Many Thai universities confuse access to information with learning. Just because the internet and tablets are available in classes doesn't mean students are learning effectively.
While my focus is on the classroom, a lot needs to be done at home to reinforce usage control. Sadly, lazy parenting contributes to the problems. I know kids as young as six that spend hours a day on their phones on games, social media videos and the like -- nothing educational. When these students get to higher education, they will be mentally limited -- able to function in some ways but unaware of the opportunities around them to build a better future. I am seeing this in my classes of university students who have only had 10 to 12 years of social media exposure.
Universities are supposed to produce well-rounded, balanced, stable, responsible adults. However, improper screen usage is causing a lack of awareness (self, situational, and so on) and imbalance hence the rise in mental health problems and number of dysfunctional adults. Some Thai universities provide guidance counsellors to students, but unless the counsellors are in the students' faces, the students are not curious to find out. Removing screens forces students to look around and be aware of their environment, which benefits them.
The future is unclear, thus the fresh use of a blank page offers opportunities for students to create a future without distractions.
Dr Mariano Carrera is a lecturer at International College at King Mongkut's University of Technology, North Bangkok.
