June 8, 2021
By Llana Isabel Sadie
Despite the limited physical interaction due to the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, the unwavering dedication and determination of Filipino teachers were not affected.
While we frequently hear about parents' and students' struggles with online learning, teachers have their own set of issues. From the development of lesson plans to the conduct of courses and the distribution of assignments, teachers must guarantee that the quality of learning is maintained even in the absence of face-to-face classes.
New Normal, New Teaching Challenges
Similar to their students, educators in the new normal are now also more likely to encounter the challenges of distance learning. From internet issues, unsuitable teaching environments, lack of resource materials to keeping their students engaged, all while making sure to follow the curriculum's deadlines, teachers have had a handful of reasons to experience burnout themselves.
“Flexible learning is not suitable for all courses/programs. I am a teacher and even I can't fully adjust to this "new normal". I don’t even know if my students are really learning. Underprivileged students have no stable internet or even a decent device to fulfill requirements,” said Ms. Anupol Anupol, a senior high teacher from Gapan, Nueva Ecija.
Ms. Anupol agrees that with the ongoing pandemic, students and instructors would have greater difficulty in learning. This academic year, they have had obstacles due to electricity and reception problems in their neighborhood. Recognizing the limits of their location, her institution has chosen modular distance learning as a solution.
Sarah Elago, a current member of the Philippine House of the Representatives for its 17th and 18th Congress and is also dubbed as the youngest lawmaker in the Philippines, comments on the situation, “Not all who are compliant have adjusted to the current learning set-up which is still far from flexible. It has taken a toll on students and teachers' health and well-being as they struggle with online classes, experiencing stress and anxiety amid the health and economic crises.”
She also mentioned how the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) must support calls for education relief measures such as internet and communication subsidies. “Kumustahin po natin ang mga estudyante at guro. Nawa'y maagap pong magkaroon ng dialogue tungkol dito,” Elago stated as she called out CHED.
(Let us check up on the students and the teachers. I hope we can have a dialogue about this as soon as possible.)
Third-year college student Ned added, “With this setup, there was an added layer of paperworks for the teachers, such as the creation of modules in which state universities and colleges claim it as their property despite not even providing a single paid time to them. No provision of references and net allowances.”
Managing a Virtual Classroom
Teachers have always struggled to keep a complete class focused, especially at the elementary school level, but the "new normal" has added a new layer to the problem. Before covid, teachers frequently assigned seat works and quizzes in the classroom. Having to adapt how they ensured that their pupils comprehended or learned from their teachings this school year, educators had to be more lenient in terms of deadlines.
Ms. Anupol recalls a time when she would easily be able to know her students’ reactions. and they would also just as easily join in on discussions and recite their answers. “It’s definitely harder not having most, if not all, of the students on mute with their cameras off. There are times when I wonder if I’m still even talking to anyone,” she chuckles.
The preparation of course packs and the requirement to finish modules and strictly follow lesson plans also add as an additional strain to the educators. With various teachers having different preferences, with some choosing synchronous classes and the others choosing asynchronous or independent learning, most facilitators have no other choice but to evaluate their students’ performances on the outputs they submit.
Expectations for Education’s “New Normal”
Despite its hardships, educators hope that online classes and blended learning will benefit students in some way. “We are really hoping that students would come to the realization that there’s a need for students to work and compromise with their teachers for something beneficial to come from online, distance learning,” said Ms. Anupol.
Clearly, instructors have been looking for methods to keep their students learning while refusing to give up on their jobs. Our teachers' responsibility in forming the minds of the future leaders of the country is a sacrifice and an act of love in and of itself, as it requires time, attention, and patience. There’s no denying that their level of dedication has increased in immeasurable amounts during this pandemic.
Ms. Anupol emphasized, “I am devoted to ensuring that my pupils will notice my compassion, patience, and excitement to give them quality education regardless of the distance between me and them. With that in mind, I believe there is reason to be optimistic about the success of learning during a crisis. I hope to see parents, teachers, schools, and the Department of Education all working together for the betterment of the next generation. Solidarity and enthusiasm are essential in tough times.”
During these challenging times, these instructors' perseverance, enthusiasm, and devotion have been a source of inspiration for others. The Department of Education (DepEd) is eager to help these modern-day heroes as they prepare for the school year 2020-2021. This is in keeping with the Department's consistent commitment to working with Filipino teachers to provide high-quality education regardless of the situation. The academic community's combined efforts, as well as the Filipino spirit of Bayanihan, are what will make the upcoming school years a success. SYNC IN.
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