How COVID-19 Affected Schools and their Students

Maria Lourdes G. Pacatcatin

The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has forced schools in the country to close down as a way to protect the safety of both their teachers and students.

However, the school closures had adversely affected the same people it is trying to protect. A report from the UNESCO stated that the impact is severe for marginalized students and families. The health crisis has disrupted not only the education system, but a student and his/her family’s way of living.

The most obvious impact is interrupted learning among students. Schools help students develop room for growth and self-advancement. However, since they do not go to physical schools, this opportunity goes down the drain.

It might not be the same for privileged students, though. Some students who have the capacity to continue learning at home with all the necessary equipment and resources can continue growing. However, those who are less privileged tend to be left behind. Thus, the pandemic has also created a disparity between fortunate and less fortunate students.

Even teachers are not spared from the adverse effects of school closures. Since the learning style has shifted to digital or distance learning, teachers are often unsure of their obligations and how to maintain connections with students to support learning. Moreover, the usual calendar of activities including examination dates have been disrupted, as well. Conducting exams through distance learning can lead to questionable results.

Aside from the students and their teachers, parents now have to actively participate in their children’s studies. Since lessons are conducted online, so children can stay at home, parents would need to closely monitor their participation and performance.

No one can tell when this pandemic would end, and when schools in the country can safely reopen their doors. But, this should not hamper the quest for learning. Despite the challenges, education should remain a top priority for any country.

The author is Teacher

--oOo-

I at Magliman Integrated School