KNOWLEDGE AT STAKE: WHEN CHALLENGES STRUCK

WENDYLEE P. LAPUZ

A global blockage was caused by a pandemic that struck in 2019. The epidemic has had an impact on many facets of peoples' daily life, including the educational system. Even though many lives were at danger, we as citizens should not shirk our responsibility. Students who participate in low-income and underprivileged regions and who do not have the luxury of affording access to computers, the internet, reliable transportation, or a suitable place to study are particularly likely to experience learning gaps during the epidemic. Due to the unexpected closure of the school and the challenges of adjusting to online learning, many of these pupils have missed out on important learning opportunities. Consequently, many pupils were unable to obtain through academic pursuits the knowledge and skills required to build a prosperous future. Furthermore, many students' mental health has been impacted by the pandemic since they find it difficult to adjust to isolation, which leads to worry and sadness. Social engagement is important for developing social skills and preserving mental health, but it is limited by remote learning. Mentally ill students frequently struggle academically, which causes learning loss and gaps in their coursework. It is imperative that those in positions of authority take action to resolve the learning gaps and help pupils impacted by the pandemic. This entails giving low-income students access to the required technologies, such as the internet or a conveniently situated location for the distribution of the learning modules, as well as extra academic resources.

-oOoThe author is Teacher II at Cabalantian Elementary School – Sta. Lucia