A teacher’s principal obligation is to ensure that their students have the appropriate information. Throughout history, in-person learning has been the primary mode of knowledge transmission. In-person training is essential for helping people build skills, form new habits, and make long-term improvements. Individuals benefit more from an in-person learning experience.
Few years back, when pandemic happened, learners were contained on their respective homes to have their modular learning where there was a total absence of the teacher as learning facilitator. It was very fortunate for the students in the private school that during those times they could have their online classes using internet that their teachers were still there to discuss the lesson. But for those who are in the public school, mostly they depend on their self-understanding of the module and with the aide coming from their family.
It can be denied that this has a great effect on the comprehension of learners. When the in-person classes take place, there is a wide learning gap among students, especially to those belonging to the primary grades. They do not master the 3rs: reading, writing and arithmetic. And so, teachers without being ordered surely find ways way on how to answer the need of the learners. Class innovations, LAC sessions and district seminars are conducted to bridge the gap. Slowly, teachers can mend the problem and provide the needed knowledge of learners in an in-person class.
Unfortunately, another trial arises when classes are again shortened or even suspended because of climate change- particularly the very high heat index. Teachers and pupils then have no choice but to use the modules again for the learners to continue the lessons. But this time, neither party had any further adjustments since in a way they were trained during the pandemic
In the coming school year, high hopes are raised to bring back the academic year in its original time frame starting June and ending in March. This, we think, is more appropriate to follow in our country. This scheme has still less class suspension even when typhoon occurs. The job of the teachers is indeed not easy, but still, they still want to give their best to provide the quality education their pupils deserve. This will only happen if they are facing the learners in a face-to-face learning environment.
