New Normal in the Pedagogical Institutions: A Normative Approach

Angela Lou R. Perez, LPT

Teachers have been resilient even before any the pandemic came in this world. They are hardworking and resourceful in delivering holistic learning to the Filipino students - making the life of the learners wonderful, to convey the Department of Education’s Legacy, Maka-tao, Maka-Kalikasan, Maka-Diyos and Maka-Bansa, a reality.

New normal in an educational institution, in a bird’s eye view, was perceived to be technologically inclined. Electronic devices and a stable internet connection are foreseen to be the stature of the New Normal in the education which is a gift from the advancement of the society in terms of intelligence. However, if we will rely on the online classroom, the “Education for all” advocacy will not be achieved. Thus, learners will be left behind, for the opportunity of learning will be for those who have such devices. Every child, from the different parts of our archipelago, must have the equal opportunity and right to have and acquire education. Most of the ideology of the stakeholders are as follows: “We must buy a device for our children, but we do not have the capability to do it.” And “Ipambibili na lamang natin ng pagkain ang pambibili mo ng selpon, anak.”

In this case, we must take a closer glimpse on the statement of our beloved Department of Education Secretary, Madam Leonor Briones, and I quote “Given the anticipated disruptions in face-to-face holding of classes, and the need for social distancing, distance learning will be a major component of learning delivery for the incoming school year. I similarly acknowledge the fears and apprehensions of our learners, parents and teachers, that we might not be ready for distance learning, with issues about access to online platforms and availability of gadgets. I assure everyone that we are working double time to ready our system, at the central and field units, to deliver accessible and quality distance education. I seek the cooperation of all to have an open mind, and to allow us the opportunity over the next three months, to fully orient and inform everyone how this will be done.” Therefore, the concept of distance learning was conveyed at the message. Distance learning refers to the School-at-Home, wherein learners and parents continue the teaching and learning process as the teacher facilitates. To generalize, learning is an equal opportunity to all Filipino Learners.

Merriam Webster defines distance learning as, “a method of study where teachers and students do not meet in a classroom but use the Internet, e-mail, mail, etc., to have classes.” In a layman’s term, distance learning is when students are separated from teachers and peers. Distance learning have different facets, Modular Instruction (Digital or Printed), Online Instruction, Television-Based / Radio Instruction and Blended Learning. The different facets of the new normal in the education emphasizes that we should not stick to one kind of distance learning. Teachers deal great sacrifices for the betterment of the educative life of the learners. They sort, distribute and retrieve modules. Most of the learners are receiving modular instruction, it might be a digital or a printed module that supports and promotes self-learning in a pace of aligning lessons in the Most Essential Learning Competencies that are useful in the new normal scenario. These are plans that turning into reality. There might be some glitches, because, there is no such thing as a perfect plan and execution. School Administrators and Teachers make it better. With the assistance of the stakeholders, all small things and steps make a big difference for the school year 2020-2021.

We are all part of this new normal in the education! You hold the key to the future of the next generation! Teachers, this is our normative approach! Para sa Bata, Para sa Bayan!

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The author is SST-II at San Roque Dau High School