Students stopped going to school when the COVID-19 pandemic struck. After careful planning, schooling was restored without having face-to-face classes. At first, there were a lot of hesitations on the part of the students and other stakeholders. Many were skeptical if the mechanism was possible for many reasons, such as problems with an internet connection and the capacity of teachers to handle a new mode of instruction.
After careful deliberation and ensuring that quality of education is put in place, the Department of Education (DepEd) and the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) allowed schools to continue without students going to the school campus.
The higher educational institutions (HEI) call the new mode of education flexible learning while the DepED considers it blended learning. It means that while there are online classes for students who have access to the internet using Learning Management Systems (LMS) such as Google Classroom andMoodle, some students prefer using printed modules. In some cases, the two-mode of learning is applied. Besides, DepEd uses radio and television as other means of educating the students.
During the first weeks of implementation, several problems slowly emerged, like poor internet connection, delayed delivery of modules, and others. What worried me was how these students could effectively learn given the challenges posed by this pandemic.
For example, teachers noticed that there were returned modules with answers on the exercises not coming from the students themselves. It had become a joke that instead of students receiving grades, it should be the parents or guardians.
I find this very problematic. The purpose of the modules is to help students learn the competencies as mandated by DepEd or CHED. If parents and guardians answer the modules, it means that their children do not develop or learn the competencies.
Many students are not serious about doing their tasks. They know their teachers will not fail them. Some are not even returning the modules, much more attending online classes.
Yes, teachers might let the students pass, but what will the future be for them? If they are at a higher educational level, they will have difficulty passing the board examination. When they are in the workplace, how will they perform the competencies learned in school and demanded by the industry?
Yes, students can pass their subjects now because teachers are also lenient given the situation. However, not learning the competencies is just like not learning at all. Hence, this is my advice for the students:
Do not settle for less. Know that education is the most challenging at this time. Do not rely on the modules or online class. Do research. Read more. There are available materials, both printed and online. Make the best of the luxury of time you have. Learn beyond what your teachers give. After all, education is not about passing. It is about learning. Your future depends on what you learn and how you will apply it in the future.
Teachers can only do much. Teachers can let you pass, but learning is not from the teachers. Do not be trapped in the adventure of just passing.
Do not just pass. Be sure you are learning.
