Unlearn the Known is the New Normal

Janet N. Santos

Everybody has been clamoring for knowledge. Imagining and vivifying the benefits of education stirs each person to pursue it even under different and difficult circumstances.

The new normal initiates a transition of unlearning what we have always known in the everyday life of a student: chalkboards, rows of desks, heavy bags, summative tests, performance- output and parent-teacher assembly. Forget those, and we can constitute a new normal in education.

The learning delivery modalities; modular distance learning, online distance learning, blended learning and home schooling that schools adapt during this pandemic are far different from the usual norms in a school setting.

These three aspects will ease the disorientation under the new normal: 1.Discard the classroom set-up adapt the personal room construct

Learning now occurs at home, in the convenience of student’s personal space. Interaction between teacher and student is made possible through personal device, modular instructions and activities.

Time frame of accomplishing tasks in every subject area are within the limits of the student.

2.Scrape out the chalk and board discussion – adapt the virtual and modular teaching

In a typical class, students are taught in mass discussion where students sit in rows while taking down notes from the discourse of the teacher. Under the new normal scheme, students learn through the virtual presentation of the lesson or by the print-out module of formative assessments.

3.Relinquish the everyday conversation and inquiries in classroom to the comfort use of group chat for announcements and instructions.

To meet the demands of today’s teaching and learning, group chat use is optimized. The delivery of instructions is made easy using this application. Any queries related to the lesson can be answered, verified or confirmed in just a click of a button.

Education is the key driver for sustainable development. Strengthening the resilience of education system in the emergence of tremendous changes during this pandemic can help ensure quality education continuity.

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The author is Teacher III at Becuran High School