Phone-Free Tutorials for Focused Learning in the School of Health Sciences

Emily-May Barlow

Abstract

This session described a values-led teaching approach used in undergraduate mental health nursing education, where a phone-free environment was introduced during role-play learning sessions. Grounded in professional values such as therapeutic presence, attentive listening, and relational engagement, the approach aimed to create a calmer, more focused, and psychologically safe learning space. Student feedback indicated improved engagement, deeper communication, and a greater sense of presence within the group. The session shared outcomes from the pilot alongside facilitator reflections on inclusivity, accessibility, and the importance of framing phone-free learning through professional values rather than behavioural control. The implications for future teaching practice and wider use across health education were also explored.

Original language	English
Publication status	Published - 13 Jan 2026
Event	Scholarship Counts! Education Academy Scholarship Hub Mini Conference - University of Dundee, Dundee, United Kingdom Duration: 13 Jan 2026 → 13 Jan 2026 https://doi.org/10.20933/100001489

Conference

Conference	Scholarship Counts! Education Academy Scholarship Hub Mini Conference
Country/Territory	United Kingdom
City	Dundee
Period	13/01/26 → 13/01/26
Internet address	https://doi.org/10.20933/100001489

UN SDGs

This output contributes to the following UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

SDG 3 Good Health and Well-being

Scholarship Counts! Education Academy Scholarship Hub Mini Conference
Einion, A. (Member of programme committee), Holme, R. (Member of programme committee), Duke-Williams, E. (Member of programme committee), Spark, G. (Member of programme committee), Smith, J. (Member of programme committee), Srinivasan, S. (Member of programme committee) & Gellatly, S. (Member of programme committee)
13 Jan 2026
Activity: Participating in or organising an event types › Participation in conference

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Cite this

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AB - This session described a values-led teaching approach used in undergraduate mental health nursing education, where a phone-free environment was introduced during role-play learning sessions. Grounded in professional values such as therapeutic presence, attentive listening, and relational engagement, the approach aimed to create a calmer, more focused, and psychologically safe learning space. Student feedback indicated improved engagement, deeper communication, and a greater sense of presence within the group. The session shared outcomes from the pilot alongside facilitator reflections on inclusivity, accessibility, and the importance of framing phone-free learning through professional values rather than behavioural control. The implications for future teaching practice and wider use across health education were also explored.

M3 - Abstract

T2 - Scholarship Counts! Education Academy Scholarship Hub Mini Conference

Y2 - 13 January 2026 through 13 January 2026

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Phone-Free Tutorials for Focused Learning in the School of Health Sciences

Abstract

Conference

UN SDGs

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Scholarship Counts! Education Academy Scholarship Hub Mini Conference

Cite this