Learning amidst Pandemic

Larry S. Simbulan

Lots of issues arose when the Department of Education revealed its Learning Continuity Plan. Some of these issues are the amount of concepts and skills that the learners may acquire. Some even doubt if the students will learn from these different modalities despite of the challenges. Some parent did not want their children to enrol in this school year. But COVID-19 should not be the wall that would stop us from learning.

The Department of Education carefully selected Most Essential Learning Competencies that are attainable and suited in the current circumstances. These competencies may be unpacked in order to obtain the needed skills and knowledge of the learners in whatever modalities that is appropriate to them. These competencies may be acquired or achieved with the use of the modules, activity sheets, and other instructional materials and intervention that have been prepared by the teachers since May, 2020 or even earlier. These materials have been carefully developed by the professionals that would be of great use while the learners are staying at home. Content of the materials are localized and contextualized so the learners may relate to the lessons.

During the global pandemic, humans’ psychological and psychosocial aspects are affected. This is actually a perfect time to guide parents and students to at least redirect their attention by learning. Learning means getting people amplify knowledge about what is really happening, what are we doing and what should we do amidst global pandemic.

Filipinos are resilient. Whatever challenges we may face, nothing will stop from doing the things we ought to do. We should embrace the new normal. We should learn that whatever we encounter, we are flexible. We can adapt to changes. Life does not revolve on the existing problems. Life must go on.

--oOo-

The author is Teacher I at Doña Asuncion Lee Integrated School