Pre-reading questions:
I will read each question. Then, please answer them.
- What role should technology play in classrooms to enhance learning outcomes?
- What are some ways schools can help students stay focused during classes?
Vocabulary:
I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me.
- package /PAK-ij/
- pouch /pouch/
- nationwide /NEY-shuhn-WAHYD/
- dependency /dih-PEN-duhn-see/
- incident /IN-si-duhnt/
[noun] – containers or wrappings in which items are enclosed
Please ensure the package is securely sealed before shipping it out.
[noun] – a bag or soft container for a small object or a small amount of something
She kept her spare change in a small leather pouch.
[adjective] – existing or happening in all parts of a particular country
The nationwide protests highlighted widespread dissatisfaction with current government policies.
[noun] – the state of relying on or being dependent on something
Her dependency on caffeine became evident when she couldn’t function without her morning coffee.
[noun] – an event that is either unpleasant or unusual
The incident at the factory resulted in a temporary shutdown of operations while investigations were conducted.
Article reading:
Please read the whole article. Then, I will check your pronunciation and intonation.
The Los Angeles Unified School District Board of Education has voted to ban smartphones for its 429,000 students to protect them from distractions and negative effects of social media on learning and mental health. This decision, passed with a 5-2 vote, requires a policy within 120 days to stop cellphone and social media use starting January 2025. Board member Nick Melvoin believes this will positively impact students, the city, and the nation.
In response to U.S. Surgeon General Vivek Murthy’s call for social media platforms to adopt warning labels similar to those on cigarette packages due to mental health concerns, Los Angeles school officials are considering storing phones in pouches or lockers during school hours. They are also exploring ways to limit social media access and support students of various ages and abilities, including those with learning or physical disabilities. However, board members George McKenna and Scott Schmerelson have concerns about the policy’s strictness and enforcement challenges. Los Angeles now joins many smaller school districts nationwide in restricting phone and social media access. Last year, Florida enacted legislation mandating school districts prevent student access to social media, following similar actions in other states. Despite research gaps on mental health risks, Murthy emphasized the need for action, citing studies suggesting increased mental illness risks among adolescents spending excessive time on social media. The district also highlighted evidence linking smartphone dependency to rising anxiety and cyberbullying incidents.
In response to U.S. Surgeon General Vivek Murthy’s call for social media platforms to adopt warning labels similar to those on cigarette packages due to mental health concerns, Los Angeles school officials are considering storing phones in pouches or lockers during school hours. They are also exploring ways to limit social media access and support students of various ages and abilities, including those with learning or physical disabilities. However, board members George McKenna and Scott Schmerelson have concerns about the policy’s strictness and enforcement challenges. Los Angeles now joins many smaller school districts nationwide in restricting phone and social media access. Last year, Florida enacted legislation mandating school districts prevent student access to social media, following similar actions in other states. Despite research gaps on mental health risks, Murthy emphasized the need for action, citing studies suggesting increased mental illness risks among adolescents spending excessive time on social media. The district also highlighted evidence linking smartphone dependency to rising anxiety and cyberbullying incidents.
Comprehension questions
I will read each question. Then, please answer them based on the article.
- Why did the Los Angeles Unified School District decide to ban smartphones for its students?
- Who expressed concerns about the strictness and enforcement of the smartphone ban policy?
- What comparison did U.S. Surgeon General Vivek Murthy make regarding social media platforms?
- How might Los Angeles school officials handle smartphones during school hours?
- How has Florida responded to concerns about social media use in schools?
Discussion questions
I will read each question. Then, please answer them.
- Can you recall a time when smartphone use affected your ability to focus on learning? If so, how did it affect you? If not, what strategies have you found helpful in managing distractions from smartphones?
- How do you think storing smartphones in pouches or lockers during school hours might affect students’ social interactions and academic performance?
- Do you agree with U.S. Surgeon General Vivek Murthy’s call for social media platforms to adopt warning labels similar to those on cigarette packages?
- What alternative strategies could schools implement to address distractions from smartphones while balancing students’ needs for communication and safety?
- Reflecting on the evidence linking smartphone dependency to anxiety and cyberbullying incidents, how should schools approach educating students about responsible digital citizenship and managing their online presence?