Flexible Learning Approach the New Normal in Education
Melinda B. De Lazo
In this unprecedented season due to Covid-19 school disruption is happening all over the world. The recent declaration of the Department of Education (DepEd) that August 24, 2020 is the beginning of classes for the school year 2020-2021 create a massive issue. This what makes most parents and school owners anxious about. A lot of questions and worries arise.
We are used to the traditional way of education where in there is a teacher and student interaction inside the classroom. But because of the situation that we are facing right now, that setup is no longer possible. So, DepEd suggest to continue this school year despite the threat of the virus Covid-19 through flexible learning approach. What is flexible learning?
According to IGI Global, flexible learning is a system that gives the students the options to either complete some of their learning in the campus and others off the campus. It is where the students determine the time, place and pace of learning with the use of both technology and non-technological aids. It also allows the teacher and the students to adapt to the requirements at any given circumstances. Flexible Learning is already part of Deped’s strategy even before this pandemic arises. It is used as an alternative for the students who are identified as Student at Risk of Failing and Students at risk of Dropping and to those students who cannot engage in the mainstream schooling due to some reasons. And now, we are going to use it as an approach to fit in the new normal of education. The new normal is quite far from the traditional setup that most of the Filipino students and teachers had both accustomed to. But the success and failure of this approach depends on us. The teachers are busy preparing the materials that the learners will be using once the class started. Moreover, the cooperation and support of the parents and guardians are most essential because they are the one who will guide their children while doing the learning at home.
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The author is Teacher II at Dela Paz Norte Elementary School