Which should be opened first?

The Department of Education recently stated that only 30 public schools are so far seen to proceed with the limited face-to-face classes that will start in the Philippines next month.

We can all remember when we were in classrooms and the amazing time we had. Not to mention, the interactions we had with our classmates and the education we had that is certainly better than sitting in a room with nothing but a gadget in front of you.

Why is face-to-face better than online learning? Actual learning is a really potent way to derive knowledge because it integrates various methods of studying, including recitations, writing papers, actual reading (not Internet scrolling), healthy Socratic dialogue, projects, group work, demonstration and

“Classrooms remain closed, while social gatherings continue to take place in restaurants, salons, gyms and, soon, even in movie theaters.

practice.

One advantage of actual classes over remote learning is that students who are not regimented enough may not be able to push through successfully, because there is nobody to push them around. Face-to-face learning is a medium where the students can concentrate harder on their learning because there’ll be less distraction than if they were at home. Let’s be honest: Students will feel more comfortable and learn more easily in a familiar classroom situation.

With traditional classes, however, there are rules to comply with. With that, students attending the latter are more likely to be committed to their education. Further, their mental health would be more secured due to the social interactions the students will have from said face-to-face classes.

One should also consider our children with little to no resources. School closures impact every child, but the most vulnerable children hardest. Some students have been able to access remote learning during the suspension of face-to-face classes, but many of them have struggled due to a lack of financial resources.

Our government should create and formulate better guidelines on how to make face-to-face learning possible again. The right to go to school and learn is extremely vital to every child’s development, safety and well-being.

However, here in the Philippines, classrooms remain closed, while social gatherings continue to take place in restaurants, salons, gyms and, soon, even in movie theaters.

The most important thing for children, families, educators and the country is to reopen schools safely, in accordance with local health conditions. Our government must provide more funding and extensive guidance for schools to work with the appropriate community members in developing and implementing comprehensive plans that will ensure continued and safe learning for all students.

It’s evident: Our government needs to prioritize support for schools and take all possible measures to reopen safely.

The future of our next generation depends on it.

“One advantage of actual classes over remote learning is that students who are not regimented enough may not be able to push through successfully.