ENCOUNTER

Noreen C. Macasio

An encounter is one experience where there is interaction between two individuals or more. But how is encounter related to learning. It could either be an unexpected or a casual meeting with someone or something (Oxford languages ) However, for this article, I used the word encounter for either a face to face meeting with one’s learners or a virtual meeting with one’s learners through Distance learning modalities. An encounter with the learners is always a learning experience for both the teachers and the learners. As everyone is faced with the global health crisis, every encounter counts a lot for the two parties. The learners need the daily learning encounters with their teachers in order for them to continue with their education and not be deprived with the kind of education they truly deserve. Nowadays, such learning encounters come using different online platforms. Whether it be through chats via the messenger, google classroom, google meet, viber,and the like, education must and should continue even in this time of pandemic. Yes, there are a lot of obstacles or hindrances along the way,but with the Filipino’s indomitable spirit, we are able to get through with this learning encounter each day. Personally, the writer has encountered her pupils through the blended learning modality for the past school year and will continue to do so in this coming school year or academic year. It has been a worthy encounter for her as she delivered the lessons efficiently. A learning encounter paves the way for the learners and the teacher to learn from each other as they share their experiences , views, talents and skills. Such a learning encounter gives them the chance and the opportunity to engage in learning and truly enhance their knowledge and skills in the different learning areas. An encounter is really essential especially one that requires learning. Whether it be face to face or virtual, a learning encounter is what we all need today.