SWITCHING TO FACE-TO-FACE LEARNING
BERNADETTE C. CONSTANTINO
Covid 19 introduced education to a new normal. Two years of Distance Learning seemed to be unbearable to many, almost everybody. Teachers are not exempted
As days and months passed by, each of us may have gone through different situations, extracting from us different reactions and emotions.
At first, the situation may have brought us fear of not knowing how and where to start. Even educators who have been in the service for long years were affected.
And so these anxious thoughts continued until adjustment set in. But as we come to getting used to the situation, here comes back the face-to-face learning.
Face-to-face learning. The much awaited, much apprehended yet seemingly a giant we have to face.
How to go with getting back to the way we were. When students have been accustomed to the routines of learning from home. When they don’t need to be in uniform when attending classes. When health breaks didn’t have to be confined at a certain period of time. When class participation is possible even while lying down in bed.
But now, it’s here. Yes, it’s here! It is the time when the students, teachers of course, need to wake up early to catch the first period class at 6:30 am. When everyone has to dress up and make sure to wear colognes, though all in school are wearing face masks. When learning happens and interactions take place right inside the classrooms. When supervisors got the chance to, once again observe teachers as they deliver lessons and facilitate classroom activities.
In public schools, the transition may have some flaws. The shift from the home schooling to face-to-face learning may have been causing sleepless nights to Deped officials, loss of free times and relaxation to teachers, game-free days among students. Yet everything has seemingly been falling into place, slowly but surely. Acceptance, cooperation and positive outlook towards change are the key factors.
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The author is Teacher III at Marcelo H. del Pilar National High School