‘No easy task’, teachers recall on shift to virtual classroom
KUCHING: Being a teacher during the Covid-19 pandemic was ‘no easy task’, especially with the dynamic shift from physically going to schools to holding classes virtually.
When interviewed by The Borneo Post, 30-year-old Juliet Beka who teaches in SMK Riam in Miri said it was challenging not only for teachers but also students and parents when the success rate was declining during the pandemic.
“The challenge for me as a teacher was to ensure the students were fully involved during online classes and making sure the attended every class, understood the lessons and completed their given tasks.
“Guiding the students in a physical class can already be difficult, what more to say about teaching virtually. This put pressure on me as a teacher, as I also needed to juggle with administrative tasks,” Juliet said.
However, she remained optimistic throughout the challenges and always ensured her students were boosted with positive words and motivation before starting their classes.
“I hope as a teacher, I will always love my job and be passionate in educating to provide students with the academic foundations that will put them in good stead for their future,” Juliet added.
Audrey Isis Raymond, 35, who teaches in SMK Matang Jaya here, said one of her obstacles was the ‘huge gap’ she had between her and her students while teaching.
“Although we were connected online, there was a lack of feeling and communication compared to physical classes and not all students had internet connection too.
“Some of the things were beyond my control too such as having to wait for them to respond, delivering my lessons through all obstacles and not to mention extra online classes to ensure every student could join the classes accordingly.
“I had to keep encouraging myself and my students to not give up,” Audrey said.
She also hoped her students were more responsible in their studies, as it falls to them to decide what is best for her future.
Another teacher, Paul Daquest, 33, who teaches in SK St Matthew Mundai in Padawan said he was coping with the evolution in teaching, where teachers have to find simple yet effective online teaching systems and platforms as well as considering the students’ economic background.
“For a small school with only 12 staff, it was hard to keep up with the administrative tasks. We had to fill hours filling out reports, making analysis and interventions for arising issues.
“I am lucky to be surrounded by a group of dedicated teachers who have helped me a lot in interactive online classes for the past two years,” Paul said.
He also hoped the education system in the country will be more student-centric and the Ministry of Education hears and takes action on the grievances of teachers.